Toronto has yet to announce the Jani Hakanpaa signing, plus they still need to extend Nick Robertson, Connor Dewar, and Alex Steeves.
Toronto has yet to announce the Jani Hakanpaa signing, plus they still need to extend Nick Robertson, Connor Dewar, and Alex Steeves.
The Toronto Maple Leafs made several moves when NHL free agency opened up earlier this month, mainly to try and give themselves a boost on defense. But with all the additions, upfront and on the back end, has it been enough to say they're a better team than last season?
As of writing this on July 15, Toronto has $955,333 of cap space, according to PuckPedia. And that's without having Nick Robertson, Connor Dewar, and Alex Steeves — each are restricted free agents who have been qualified by the Maple Leafs — locked into deals for next season.
Some believe Toronto shouldn't be done with making moves, though. There's the big elephant in the room with Mitch Marner, however, I would guess that he remains with the Maple Leafs for the upcoming season.
Robertson reportedly requested to be moved elsewhere. Yet, with a new coach in Craig Berube behind the bench, I believe there's ample opportunity for the 22-year-old to grab a spot within the forward group this year.
The depth could use tinkering with players like David Kampf, a reliable centerman in the faceoff dot who only had eight goals and 11 assists in 78 games, taking up $2.4 million in cap space.
Calle Jarnkrok only had two more goals than Kampf, but had none in the playoffs against the Boston Bruins. Could his $2.1 million salary be shipped out before training camp begins in September?
Both have a 10-team no-trade clause, meaning they can somewhat dictate where they could go if Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving decides he wants to make a move. The question remains, though, of what's out there.
Toronto's defense has improved with Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson added to the mix. There are mixed reactions to how the Maple Leafs' back end looks. Some say it's a step back from last year, but I'd argue it's been upgraded.
Another route the team could go down for shedding cap to add to their roster is shipping out one of Timothy Liljegren — who just signed a two-year, $6 million extension — or Conor Timmins, two players who could be on the outside looking in as the season gets underway.
That, though, depends on whether Toronto adds Jani Hakanpaa. Questions remain about whether the 32-year-old defenseman will be healthy enough to play next season after suffering a knee injury earlier this year.
It would be smart for the Maple Leafs to avoid dipping their toes into long-term injury reserve. Adding to it will hurt their chances of maximizing their cap space when the NHL trade deadline rolls around.
What should Toronto do with their roster?
Unless Treliving is looking at making a big trade, which doesn't appear likely as of writing this, the Maple Leafs should stay put.
Could Daniel Sprong, an unrestricted free agent who scored 18 goals and 25 assists in 76 games with the Detroit Red Wings make sense? The Maple Leafs could use a point-getting right-winger within their bottom six. However, he might be too expensive for what Toronto is looking for.
The Maple Leafs could take a shot in the dark by adding one of Kailer Yamamoto or Alex Nylander, which could make sense for the right price. If anything, that could be the route they go down. That would still hinge on them making a trade to create cap space.
My prediction: Toronto won't make any more moves this offseason. They sign all three of Robertson, Dewar, and Steeves, allowing them to push for spots in training camp.
Domi-Matthews-Nylander
Knies-Tavares-Marner
McMann-Holmberg-Jarnkrok
Robertson/Dewar-Kampf-Reaves/Steeves
Rielly-Tanev
McCabe-Ekman-Larsson
Benoit-Liljegren/Hakanpaa (if he's healthy)
Woll & Stolarz
If Liljegren and Hakanpaa remain with the group, it's likely one of Dewar or Steeves isn't on the roster. For now, these are the players who I believe will make up the Maple Leafs as training camp comes to a close this fall.
And don't forget, Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten could change Toronto's plans if they make strong impressions in September.
Related
Maple Leafs’ John Tavares Shows Off Red Light Therapy in Social Media Promotion
News from THN.com
2024 First-Round Pick Yakemchuk Thrived In Native Calgary Before Senators Selected Him
NHL Hot Seat Radar: Washington Capitals Must Prove Off-Season Moves Will Help Them Thrive
Blues Banking On Elite Prospect Base Elevating Them To New Heights In 2024-25 And Beyond