Leafs emerge as the favourites to win an all-Canadian division

With all of the curiosity in the air of what a potential return to hockey in the not-too-distant future might look like, there has been much speculation around the possibility of an all-Canadian division. It is, after all, the most logical way to bypass the boarder crossing issues should the NHL return for a 2020-21 season, which does increase the safety factor, lending some credibility to the idea being a good one.

So assuming hockey does return in some form this season, given all of the quality offseason actions taken by each Canadian franchise, many have asked the question: Who takes the Canadian division this season?

Well, according to OddsShark.com, the Toronto Maple Leafs sit atop an all-Canadian division as +175 favourites.

I'm sure there will be an abundance of those who disagree, given the improvements that Montreal, Calgary and Edmonton have made. There's even arguments to be made for the Winnipeg Jets and the Vancouver Canucks challenging for the spot, given the Canucks' somewhat successful playoff run and Winnipeg's potent offense and stellar goaltending - though these markets didn't add as much as the Leafs, Canadiens, Oilers and Flames did during the offseason.

The fact remains, however, that the Maple Leafs have addressed their most glaring needs by making tangible upgrades in their defense and toughness departments. Pair that with their potent offense, of which the core is still entirely intact, a full season with the very capable Jack Campbell backing up Frederik Andersen (who is coming into a contract year), and a full season with bench boss Sheldon Keefe at the helm, and it's not difficult to see how an improved Leafs squad can pose a lot of problems for each of the other 6 Canadian franchises.

Among the most notable additions during the offseason are Joe Thornton, Wayne Simmonds, T.J. Brodie and Zach Bogosian, but it doesn't stop there. Mikko Lehtonen is absolutely dominating in the KHL in the early stages this season with 8 goals and 8 assists for 16 points through 14 games with Jokerit Helsinki and is expected to play a key role for the Leafs this season, seeing regular ice time in the top 6, barring any struggles on the smaller ice surface in North America.

These additions along with a full season of Ilya Mikheyev, rookie sensation Nick Robertson and with 2016 Hobey Baker winner Jimmy Vesey in the fold, the Leafs will present a ton of challenges for the opposition in 2020-21.

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