Questions heading into 2012-13 season

It is less than a month away from the "start" of Toronto Maple Leafs training. I say "start" because there will be no season if players and owners cannot reach a resolution in the latest round of labour negotiations.

Regardless of what happens in the boardroom, the Leafs have some unanswered questions heading into the 2012-13 season. Some are more concerning than others, with the biggest question mark looming behind the pipes.

With the Monster, Jonas Gustavsson, heading a few hours south to the Detroit Red Wings, it's assumed James Reimer and Ben Scrivens will be Toronto's duo heading into the year. After a strong start to last season, which was interupted by the elbow of Montreal Canadien's Brian Gionta, Reimer looks to regain his success from two years ago. He did show flashes of improvement as last season wore on, but he still has much to prove to become a staring goalie in the NHL.

Scrivens will look to give Reimer a run for his money, considering the former's flashes of brilliance last season. He made positive strides in his time with the Leafs, but definitely grew more in the Toronto Marlies run to the AHL Calder Cup final. While the Marlies did lose that series, Scrivens is sure to have gained a ton of experience.

Leaf fans better not rule out the arrival of Vancouver Canucks' superstar Roberto Luongo. While it's reported Luongo would prefer a return to the Florida Panthers, there is still a chance the Leafs could land their first top-flight goalie since Ed Belfour, who ultimately led Toronto to its last playoff appearance in 2003-04.

Other questions heading into the season are:

Can the newest Leaf James Van Riemsdyk help provide more offence outside of Phil Kessel?

Can Mikhail Grabovski prove he earned his big pay raise when he signed a 5-year, $27 million contract in March?

Will having Randy Carlyle behind the bench from the start of training camp benefit a young Toronto squad?

Can Joffrey Lupul match his scoring success from a year ago?

Will the Leafs corps of youth, including Joe Colborne, Matt Frattin and Tyler Bozak, continue to develop to the level management expects?

And finally, will the Leafs make the playoffs?

The last question continues to haunt all of Leafs Nation, but they may get a break if there is no hockey this season.