NHL Insider has bad news for the Maple Leafs fans

It's no secret that a Canadian-based National Hockey League franchise has not been able to capture the Stanley Cup since the Montreal Canadiens did so 30 years ago in 1993. Since then, despite rosters being laden with plenty of Canadian talent, the iconic trophy has only been awarded to American-based teams since 1994. 

And depending on who you talk to north of the border, there could be more nefarious reasons behind that drought, as there are more than a few hockey fans who believe that it's the sinister goal of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to keep the Cup out of its native land. 

As it currently stands, the two top Canadian-based teams in terms of an open championship window happen to be the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers, both of whom boast immense offensive talent and are routinely included in expert and analysts selections to be able to challenge to break Canada's lengthy championship drought.

But if these words from former Leafs defenseman and current NHL analyst Carlo Colaiacovo hold true, if the Canadian Stanley Cup drought is to be ended in the near future, it won't be the Leafs who do it, but rather the Edmonton Oilers. 

"I was at Zach Hyman's golf tournament and I was asked if I were to place a bet on who the first Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup, Edmonton or Toronto, who do you think i chose? I didn't even think twice about it because I think Edmonton's closer because of the players they have, the success they've had, obviously the conference they play in, because the Eastern Conference is a juggernaut," he said.

"I like the additions the Leafs have made up front, but I still worry about this team defensively... so much can change before they drop the puck on opening night, but I think in order to continue or at least follow up the success they had in the playoffs this year, nobody can feel confident saying this group of defense the way that they're built can win a round or two next year."

That's quite the unfortunate prediction for the Leafs! Does it stand a chance of coming true? 

Recommended articles:

• Connor McDavid lands with Maple Leafs in blockbuster trade proposal
• Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews seen meeting together!
• Milan Lucic reflects on “s**t-show” postseason series vs. Oilers
• Oilers' Ryan McLeod announces selfless sacrifice
• Oilers make desperate move, try to convince McDavid to stay in Edmonton