LeafsParadise.com

from Adam Kimelman of NHL.com, So how can the teams that missed the fun turn into postseason hits during the upcoming season? With about a month until training camp opens, NHL.com examines why fans of the unlucky seven can harbor playoff hopes for 2012-13: Last season: 35-37-10, 80 points, 12 points out of eighth place How it ended: After a start that saw them lead the Northeast Division one month into the season and sit sixth in the conference at the holiday break, the Leafs finished 17-24-6 to extend their playoff drought to seven seasons. Offseason changes: The Leafs added size and skill up front with the acquisition of James van Riemsdyk from Philadelphia, and the early plan could see him shift to center between Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. The cost was defenseman Luke Schenn, but the Leafs have a number of potentially NHL-ready blueliners to replace him, among them Korbinian Holzer, Jesse Blacker and 2012 first-round pick Morgan Rielly. Backup goalie Jonas Gustavsson left ...