5 Bold Predictions for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the New Year

The Toronto Maple Leafs are clinging to a playoff spot as 2015 arrives, but parity and consistently inconsistent play means their positioning is not on solid ground. 

Offensively, the team has been something of a juggernaut so far this season. Scoring goals and creating chances is not an issue. The team leads the league in goals with 128 in 38 games.

Defensive play is another matter. Regularly losing the territorial battle combined with giving up almost 35 shots per game is the fly in the ointment.

Erring on the side of optimism, let's look at five bold predictions for the Maple Leafs in the new year.

Leafs Finish in Top 3 in the Atlantic Division

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It will be no easy task to crack the top three. The Tampa Bay Lightning are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, and the Montreal Canadiens have all of the elements of a very good hockey club.

The Detroit Red Wings are, well, they are Hockeytown, USA. They are a model NHL franchise. The Wings get it right in all aspects of the game, from drafting to player development to salary-cap management and all things beyond.

The Leafs have to commit to much better team defence, which is no easy task. But if the club can add another stay-at-home defender prior to the trade deadline, and continue to lean on its forward depth, expect a push in the standings to happen.

It's no lock, but we're looking for bold predictions here.

James van Riemsdyk Tops 80 Points in 2014-15

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James van Riemsdyk is trending upward, and in a big way. He had 32 points in 48 games in 2012-13 and 61 points in 80 games last year. This year, he's earned 35 points through 38 games.

He's playing the best hockey of his young career. The former first-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers has become a force both on the rush and down low on the cycle. He's got great hands in tight quarters and when he uses his size and reach to his advantage, he's a load when he heads for the scoring areas.

JVR is a gifted player, and 80 points is in his immediate future.

David Clarkson Nets 20 Goals

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David Clarkson has been effective on more nights than not in 2014-15. He's been belligerent when necessary, but he's also controlled his aggression as needed.

He's played solid two-way hockey despite some tough defensive assignments.

Clarkson has nine goals on just 68 shots this season. His shot percentage of 13.2 is higher than his career average of 9.2. Yet he's not shooting at the same rate he has in the past; Clarkson's topped 180 total shots in a regular season three separate times.

It will take some luck, but Clarkson is poised deliver another 20-goal season. It would be just the second in his career.

Jonathan Bernier Finishes in Top 3 in Save Percentage Among Starters

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Jonathan Bernier has been amazing for the Leafs in 2014-15. He's won some games single-handedly. 

His positioning and athleticism inspire confidence in his team—maybe a little too much confidence, which is reflected in the number of high-quality shots the club yields. Bernier rarely lets in a bad goal, and his .921 save percentage is exceptional given the Leafs' defensive struggles.

Bernier is tied for seventh among regular NHL starters in save percentage. The bold prediction is that his save percentage is going to climb to at least .925 by regular season's end and that he's going to be in the top three in save percentage among NHL starters. 

It's bold, but Bernier has all the tools to deliver.

Phil Kessel Wins the Art Ross Trophy

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Phil Kessel is now tied for fifth in NHL scoring. With 41 points, he's just six points behind the unlikeliest of leaders—Jakub Voracek.

Kessel has played inspired offensive hockey in nearly every game this year. He's been brilliant on the rush and might be the league's most dangerous winger when he has a sliver of space and a second or two to get his shot off.

He's also underrated as a passer, as his vision has allowed him to generate 23 assists in just 38 games. His linemates have to continue to produce, but NHL fans know that the University of Minnesota product can create chances for himself with ease.

Look for Kessel to increase his scoring over the final half of the season and win the Art Ross Trophy by a few points over budding superstar Tyler Seguin and the super-talented Ryan Getzlaf.

All stats can be found on NHL.com and are current entering play on Friday, January 2.