The majority of the forward group seems to be settled for general manager Brad Treliving. However, the Toronto Maple Leafs still face uncertainty with the bottom-six roles on the roster. Everyone knows that Toronto’s top forwards such as Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and other top-six forwards are safe to make the team out of training camp. In contrast, while there have been projected lineups, it remains unclear what the bottom six will look like, especially the fourth line.
Potential Moving Pieces on the Fourth Line
During this offseason, there have been a couple of rumblings about a change of personnel on the fourth line. Two names that have come up in discussions about rumoured trades are David Kampf and Ryan Reaves.
David Kampf
Over the last three seasons as a Maple Leaf, Kampf has only missed three games. He plays an integral part in Toronto’s defensive system. Under former head coach Sheldon Keefe, Kampf was used to shut down other lines and spent a lot of time on the ice killing penalties. He is also great at faceoffs, and times last season, he was sent out to start overtime just to win the opening draw. However, Keefe is no longer in command, and there’s a new boss behind the bench. Craig Berube will naturally bring a new philosophy to the Maple Leafs. That could include a different-looking fourth line. Berube played a bottom-six role in his playing career, so there’s a chance he might feel the need to customize those lines to his liking.
While Kampf is an important roster player for the Leafs, it’s possible that he could be moved. Not to mention the cap space that would become available in a trade involving the 29-year-old. His current contract is active for the next three seasons at $2.4M AAV. Perhaps Berube prefers a grittier player in Kampf’s spot with a better value contract.
Ryan Reaves
Speaking of gritty forwards, Reaves just might be the grittiest of active forwards in the NHL. The winger was signed by the Maple Leafs last offseason for three years at $1.35M. While the lack of toughness and bite was addressed in this acquisition, the deal might be a bit much. The 37-year-old played just over half a season for the Leafs last season, 49 games. At this point in his career, it doesn’t make sense to rely on the enforcer to play every night, but he’s still an important member of the squad. Reaves is someone that can fire up his teammates or the crowd and that matters in the NHL. However, this league is a business and general manager Brad Treliving might have to make a business decision when it comes to his bottom-six group.
Ryan Reaves is a fan favourite in Toronto and can be helpful in many ways. However, there may be a better way to spend that cap space in the eyes of Toronto management.
Competition for Roles in the Bottom Six
Several players in the Maple Leafs system can push for a spot in the bottom six. With Reaves not getting any younger, there’s a possibility that Berube could use some fresh air on that line. While it isn’t ideal to have young, promising players play a limited role on a checking, fourth line, there could be an opening for these youngsters.
Easton Cowan is coming off an incredible season with the London Knights in the OHL. He took home the OHL title as well as two MVP awards (regular season and playoffs). He was also the leader in points for the Memorial Cup. In the Maple Leafs development camp, he’s made it clear that he intends to make the team.
“I want to make the team. That’s always been my goal,” he said. “I want to play in the NHL one day, and I’m feeling very confident, so I’ve just got to come into camp, be a very reliable player, someone the coach can trust.”
Another Leafs prospect that has a realistic chance to making the team is Fraser Minten. Minten has already played in the NHL for Toronto before. Last season he played the opening four games before being sent back to the WHL. The 20-year-old has a similar role to Kampf in terms of being a conservative player with defensive responsibilities. However, he does come with a little more offensive upside than Kampf, which is something that might interest Leafs management when it comes to training camp.
Toronto Maple Leafs Bottom Six Options in the Minors
The Leafs farm team, the Toronto Marlies, are full of great players. Those players are deserving of an opportunity to feature for the Maple Leafs. That includes forwards Nick Abruzzese and Alex Steeves.
Abruzzese has played 11 games for the Maple Leafs in his career and scored three points. It would be an easier transition to play NHL hockey full-time compared to his teammates given his experience. He’s a crafty player with decent stick-handling ability, a great offensive option to include on the fourth line. Steeves on the other hand, does not currently have a contract with Toronto. But, if he were to re-sign with the organization, he’d also be an option to call up.
Last season saw winger Bobby McMann become a full-time NHLer and next season he is projected to start on the second-line. A similar situation like that could transpire next season for a few forwards down in the minors.
Main photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
