Although the Toronto Maple Leafs haven't seen a playoff game since 2004, and the team's regular season point totals have not improved much in the ensuing years, there is reason to believe that the Leafs are now on the cusp of becoming a playoff team. Tonight is the first night of the shortened 48 game season for Toronto, and there is no question that the team has turned a new Leaf. Gone is President and General Manager Brian Burke, who took over in November 2008. In is Dave Nonis, Senior Vice President and General Manager. Expect other changes in the coming weeks, but make no mistake about it, The Leafs could very well be a playoff team come the end of April.

2012 NHL Draft Selections' Strong Beginning to the 2012-13 Season

With the exception of three second round picks (Nic Kerdiles---Anaheim, # 36 overall; Brian
Hart--Tampa Bay, #53 overall; and Jordan Martinook--Phoenix, # 58 overall), all of the 2012
first and second round selections have seen action early in the 2012-13 season. Had there not
been an NHL lockout, several of these players would be skating for NHL teams, but, at this time,

of the 60 players selected in the first two rounds, 31 are currently playing in the CHL, 14 on
college teams, 9 are in Europe, and 6 are skating for AHL teams.

Several players in each of the CHL, Europe, the NCAA and AHL have quickly jumped out of the
gate. Of particular interest are the players mentioned below. All stats include games through the
October 22, 2012.