Burning Questions as Toronto Maple Leafs 2014 Training Camp Approaches

The Toronto Maple Leafs' 2014-15 NHL season is just weeks away, with training camp and exhibition games right around the corner.

Fans should be excited to see how the many changes made to the roster, particularly in the bottom-six forward group, will impact the team.

The Leafs should be improved from last season, and a playoff spot is a distinct possibility.

With this in mind, let's take a look at the top burning questions as training camp approaches. 

Will Randy Carlyle Make It Through the 2014-15 Season?

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Head coach Randy Carlyle will have a number of new players at his disposal this season. He's got some new veterans on the blue line and some solid depth forwards up front.

Like many coaches, Carlyle has been hesitant to give a lot of minutes to inexperienced players. While the team remains relatively young, this current group should have Carlyle breathing easier in third periods on many nights. 

This will apply to his fourth line in particular. The group that Carlyle has to choose from, quite simply, has a lot more talent than what the Leafs had in 2013-14. He should be able to play his full roster, even in tight third-period action.

With the number of changes, expectations will be that the Leafs compete for a playoff spot. If the club gets off to a slow start, don't be surprised if the calls for Carlyle's firing increase. 

Can Nazem Kadri Supplant Tyler Bozak on the First Line?

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While Tyler Bozak had a relatively strong 2013-14 campaign with 49 points in 58 games, there are lingering doubts that he has the chops to be a No. 1 pivot in the Leafs' long-term plans.

Nazem Kadri will be more than willing to step in if the Leafs coaching staff gives him the opportunity to do so.

Questions around Kadri's defensive game remain, but his offensive skills cannot be questioned.

It would be interesting to see the London, Ontario native play with James van Riemsdyk and the uber-talented Phil Kessel for an extended run.

The battle between Kadri and Bozak shapes up as one of the key storylines for 2014-15. 

Will James Reimer Be Satisfied as the No. 2 Goaltender?

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The Leafs have one of the top goaltending duos in the NHL today.

Jonathan Bernier is poised to become a perennial Vezina Trophy candidate.

James Reimer is capable of being a No. 1 goaltender based on long periods of very good netminding, too. However, it remains to be seen if the uneasy alliance between these two will, and can, continue.

It would benefit the Leafs greatly to keep both goalies. Complicating matters for Reimer is that the current market is fairly soft for goalies. Even if the Leafs look to move him, there may not be a viable option for shipping him out.

It will be in Reimer's best interests to play at the top of his game, and who knows, maybe he'll topple Bernier from his current perch.

Can Jake Gardiner Be a Top-Pairing Defender?

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Jake Gardiner is a sublime skater who looks capable of playing 25-plus minutes on a nightly basis. He's the top Corsi player on the team.

While he is prone to turnovers, much of this is due to him handling the puck much more than other Leaf defenders. These gaffes are likely to decrease as his confidence continues to grow, and he plays with better partners.

Expect a breakout year for Gardiner, who is more than capable of leading the defence corps in scoring. Posting more than 40 points—and possibly even 50—if he gets a lot of power-play time is not impossible.

Gardiner should get a long look alongside Dion Phaneuf on Toronto's top defense pairing at training camp.