I’m writing this on July 18, and the mailbag (MirtBag?) was just overflowing this week. The John Tavares Effect means Maple Leafs fans are fired up, even in the middle of the summer.



This is definitely going to be an interesting year to write about and cheer for this team.



Here are some meaty answers to the 10 most intriguing questions from our subscribers this go around:



1. How many games does Justin Holl play next season?



This one is tough because it’s hard to know who wins the battle on the back end.



I do think Holl will get a chance, his first sustained one on an NHL blueline. (Here was my piece on him during the Calder Cup, where he was a key piece of the Marlies.)



But the competition is certainly there for games, even if the Leafs don’t add another defenceman — which they very well may. You read Connor Carrick’s terrific interview, and you know he will be fired up to give a good showing in...