The Toronto Maple Leafs are loading up for training camp, especially their left wing. Decisions are still to be made as to the forward group. There have been many changes with this team since the end of last season. The first thing they changed was the coach. Out went Sheldon Keefe, and in comes Craig Berube. There was also a change in captaincy as Auston Matthews was handed the ‘C’ from John Tavares. And finally, there have been plenty of changes to the roster. A handful of defencemen have been introduced, as well as a new goalie and some forwards.
Internal Competition
Apart from the official signing of Jani Hakanpaa, the most recent piece of business from the Maple Leafs includes two left-wingers. General manager Brad Treliving was busy last week, including the Hakanpaa signing. He re-signed 23-year-old Nicholas Robertson after he wanted to be traded away. He requested a trade because he wasn’t getting the playing time he wanted in Toronto. Treliving also signed a couple of players to professional tryouts (PTO). That includes Stanley Cup champion Steven Lorentz and former Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty. Although, it seems that Pacioretty will be signing with the Leafs once they figure out their salary cap situation.
With these additions to Toronto’s forward group, this upcoming training camp will be a competitive one, to say the least. The Leafs have some job openings on the left side specifically. In fact, one of the main selling points of Robertson’s re-signing was the opportunity on the left side with the Leafs. Nick Robertson always gives his best efforts on the ice. It is very visible that he has a strong work ethic. He’s going to need that work ethic for the upcoming training camp, especially with all those trying to fight for a spot in the NHL with the Maple Leafs.
Furthermore, it is believed that Treliving has made these additions for the purpose of the competition within the team. This topic was discussed on the TSN radio show OverDrive. Former NHLers Frank Corrado, Jeff O’Neill and Jamie McLennan, as well as the host Bryan Hayes, brought up that theory. While there isn’t much competition for the stars of the team, there definitely is for the supporting cast.
Leafs Left Wing Depth
While the Maple Leafs don’t hold the best left side in the league, they definitely have options. One position that is probably filled is the left-wing spot on the first line. All signs point to that spot being reserved for youngster Matthew Knies. However, just because he may start the season there, doesn’t mean he’s safe from the others. Those looking to take that spot are Bobby McMann, Robertson and even Max Domi. McMann and Domi showed signs of brilliance at different moments during last season. However, there’s going to be a lot more expectations surrounding them this year. It is very likely for Domi to get a shot on the top line with Matthews, as the duo showed that they have great chemistry on the ice during the playoffs.
There are more names that should be thrown into the mix for the Leafs left wing. Pacioretty, who should be signing with the team soon, has a chance to feature in the top six. Given his quality, leadership and experience, it’s likely he’ll get a chance at the top two lines for a little. Other than him, in terms of wingers, there’s still Pontus Holmberg, Connor Dewar, Calle Jarnkrok, Ryan Reaves, and if Treliving signs him, Lorentz.
It’s also important to not forget the Leafs’ most treasured prospect who is also a left-winger, Easton Cowan. He lit the OHL on fire last season, scoring 96 points in 54 games. Even in the OHL playoffs and the Memorial Cup, he was a sight to behold with the London Knights. He lead the OHL and Memorial Cup in scoring with a total of 42 postseason points in 22 games. A big decision has to be made with Cowan, as well as the rest of Toronto’s forward group.
Main Photo: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
