What if . . .

What if Max Pacioretty is a key contributor for the Leafs this season?

What if the Leafs win the Stanley Cup?

Sure, it can happen and if that day were to ever occur, there's going to be millions of people calling in sick to work the next morning.

However, in order for this to happen, there's a lot of 'what if' scenarios that need to work out in a positive fashion - maybe more so than in recent years. But what's intriguing about this year is that with every 'what if' scenario I'm going to write about below, there's an actual plausible outcome that doesn't involve you trying to convince yourself for hours that if you cross your fingers long enough, it just might work.

With that being said, here's a few 'what if' scenarios that might actually come true this season for the Leafs.

Scenario #1 - What if Max Pacioretty proves he's still got gas in the tank and winds up netting 20-plus goals . . .

Yes, he's 35 years old. Yes, he's trying to rediscover his form after tearing his right achilles tendon twice in less than a year. But let's take his word at face value. He's saying all the right things. He said as much on Day 1 of training camp.

“I feel like I’m there and I can’t wait to prove it,” he told reporters back when camp got underway. “Physically I really like where I'm at.”

He's yet to officially sign a deal after inking a PTO prior to camp, but all signs point to him playing a role on this team this season. If he's ANYTHING like his former self from a few years ago, the Leafs could have themselves a fantastic depth add at what we're all expecting: a reasonable price.

Scenario #2 - What if William Nylander plays centre and it actually works?

OK . . . so Willy has spent a bit of time back on the wing at practice recently... How about we just let this play out first because I have a feeling there have been no hard decisions either way as of yet. If I were a betting man, I think we see No. 88 lined up as the second line centre at some point this season.

And if it works - and yes, it's a big 'if' - it changes the forward group dramatically for the better.

Here's why I think it could happen: Nothing fazes the guy. NOTHING. I also think he loves to be challenged. I think Berube gives him the necessary rope during the season.

Scenario #3 - What if the Leafs goaltending is actually . . . good?

Yes, I'm very well aware the current tandem slated to play games between the pipes for the Leafs isn't necessarily ideal for a contending club. I mean, of course, you'd want a Shesterkin or Vasilevskiy in net but that's just not reality.

But let's take a step back here, shall we? Do we need to rewind the clock to last season? Remember when Ilya Samsonov was an absolute train wreck for practically half the season? You'd like to think this won't be happening again. Even average netminding would be an improvement and you'd like to think the duo of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll can do exactly that and then some.

I don't need to throw stats down your throat but Stolarz has had very solid numbers over the past few years albeit in a backup role and Woll - when healthy - certainly passes the eye test. Let's see how it plays out but I'd be willing to place a bet that goaltending isn't a major concern for the Leafs this year.