The Toronto Maple Leafs have resisted the temptation of a quick fix over the past few years. Unlike previous regimes that promised to be patient and then jumped the gun by making a big trade that cost them youth and draft picks, president Brendan Shanahan and general manager Lou Lamoriello continue to build through the draft.
If Toronto remains on that path, homegrown talent will ultimately form the nucleus of the Maple Leafs when they make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Here are four reasons for optimism entering this season:
1. Brendan Shanahan's in charge
The future of the Maple Leafs is directly tied to Shanahan's vision.