Maple Leafs projected to waive 11 players this week

With the Toronto Maple Leafs inching closer to the start of the regular season, it is expected that they will be looking to put a plethora of players on waivers.

One of the most difficult portions of training camp and the preseason is cutting guys and placing players who won't start the season in the NHL on waivers.

It is a nerve-racking time for teams, especially since they have no clue whether or not their players on waivers get claimed by other teams. The Leafs are not exempt, and according to a new tool on Puck Pedia, there are 11 players who are expected to go on waivers this week.

Those players are William Villeneuve, Marshall Rifai, Philippe Myers, Dakota Mermis, Michael Pezzetta, Bo Groulx, Cole McWard, Brendan Brisson, Ryan Tverberg, Henrik Rybinski, and Vinni Lettieri.

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Some of the most striking names here are Villeneuve, Rifai, and Myers, especially when you consider how Myers was on the roster last season.

Villeneuve is particularly disappointing, especially when you consider how fans have wanted him to get some NHL experience for years now.

However, the rest of the potential waiver selections are to be expected, especially when you consider how crowded the Leafs roster is right now.

When do the Maple Leafs make their decisions?

This Wednesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs will play against the Ottawa Senators in yet another split-squad game. It is here that the Leafs are most likely to solidify their roster decisions.

With that in mind, you could see some Leafs players hit waivers on Thursday or Friday. However, there is always a chance of some players getting there before then.

This is a big moment for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and with the team trying to bounce back after last year, roster management is more important than ever before.

John Chayka is facing one of his first big tests, and this will prove to be a fascinating week for the franchise.

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