Maple Leafs' 23-Man Roster Limit Forces Four Players Out of Opening Night Lineup

The Leafs have what is believed to be their roster ahead of the season for tonight's preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings, but changes could still keep that roster from being solidified.

Toronto also has extra skaters who seem to be players who could be waiver or trade options, and have created a clear divide between their roster and those outside of it.

There is still some time for someone to make a last minute impression for Toronto if it's not too late, but it'll take a lot, and more likely someone slipping than someone emerging.

One of these players are likely to remain in Toronto as a healthy scratch option for the club, with it unclear who that player may be but with some strong guesswork able to make an idea of who likely.

If Robertson is the healthy scratch or at risk of a demotion down the minors, it would be likely he seeks a trade as he desired full playing time. With 15 goals and 22 points last season, Robertson is someone who has been a target for a breakout, and may look for an opportunity to do so elsewhere instead of waiting on the Leafs bench again.

Michael Pezzetta will likely find himself sent down to the Marlies, where he will take on an energy role as a grinder for the team, with the potential of being called up by Toronto.

Pezzetta had 25 games played last season with Montreal, along with 200 career NHL games, making him an experienced NHL veteran who can handle slotting into a team's lineup if needed for physical support.

That leaves Kampf or Jarnkrok as the most logical bets to be the Leafs 13th man. Jarnkrok has dealt with injury issues but has shown he can play on the right wing, where currently Easton Cowan is slotted but remains a question if he'll stay there full time.

Kampf is younger and has less health concerns, but Jarnkrok has the versatility to slot on the wing, a position that could open up depending on what the Leafs choose to down with Cowan.

What they may get in the trade market may change the Leafs perspective depending on their needs. If they can get good value for one of the two, it could compel Toronto to move one and keep the other as a scratch, or even help determine who other teams view as having more value between Jarnkrok & Kampf.

The Leafs defensive battles seem close to finalized, with one major decision looming that could change it all.

Simon Benoit, who has been out due to an upper-body injury, but is expected to play tonight's preseason game for Toronto against the Detroit Red Wings, and how he performs will determine if he indeed slots in a bottom-pair role.

If healthy, Benoit has the spot locked down and will be alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but if he's still dealing with injury issues, it could open up a discussion over who could get Benoit's place if injuries complicate his status.

On the defensive end, defensemen Henry Thrun, Philippe Myers, & Dakota Mermis are potential options who are still on the Leafs roster and are fighting for a spot as Toronto's 7D option.

Myers, a veteran with size at 6'5, is a defensive defenseman who has shown he can fill the depth role as a scratch. Henry Thrun is a younger defenseman at 24 who played 60 games last season with San Jose, but has struggled with his defensive game.

Also an extra is Matt Benning, another player hoping to see himself get NHL games, and having auditioned as the team's 7th defender or someone with the chance of being called up by Toronto.

Prospect Ben Danford is likely to be sent back to the OHL for his final season, although he's made a strong push to get a look next season in the NHL.

The Toronto Maple Leafs seem to have their lineup planned out, but with two preseason games left, the Leafs still have options that could make things interesting with just days to go.

The Leafs final roster decisions could define how the team's season begins, but may not define how it ends.