Maple Leafs Roster Still in Limbo as Experts Debate What Comes Next
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According to OverDrive, the Maple Leafs could still shake things up, a late roster move may be on the horizon with big implications.
As the Leafs head into August and into the start of training camp, the chances of the team being done is unlikely to happen, both in terms of adding and subtracting.
As Brad Treliving has indicated, it's likely that deals are something that the Leafs are still looking at, whether in free agency or on the trade block.
On TSN 'Overdrive', it was discussed what specific areas could still define the Toronto Maple Leafs offseason and what it could mean for the roster heading into the start of the season.
Why Analysts Think Dakota Joshua Is Exactly What the Leafs Have Been Missing
One name that was discussed is the Leafs most recent acquistion in Dakota Joshua.
Although traded for from the Vancouver Canucks just two weeks ago, it has felt like an eternity since the deal was made and continues to be the most recent move made by Toronto to bolster their roster.
Overdrive pointed to Joshua as a potential dark horse for the Leafs success, saying that if he can succeed in his bottom-role as a physical winger who can score, that would make the trade a win for Toronto.
Yeah, he scored, what, 18 [goals] as a career high? Could he get 15 to 20, maybe north of 20, if he gets some quality minutes with some good players? Absolutely.
If he scores 15, but he's confrontational and is a bit of an agitator and can change the temperature of a game...
Would that not be considered a win for Dakota Joshua? I think they're dying to get 15 goals from a depth player at this point.
If he scores 15, but he's confrontational and is a bit of an agitator and can change the temperature of a game...
Would that not be considered a win for Dakota Joshua? I think they're dying to get 15 goals from a depth player at this point.
It's a hope that Dakota Joshua is able to bounce back after an offseason cancer diagnosis that cost him the first few months and in returning struggled a bit to find his form.
It would be a major win for Toronto if they get the player who in the past has shown he can be hard to play against and can provide some offense at a decent rate.
Is Dennis Hildeby Quietly Emerging as the Leafs' Future in Net?
Another topic discussed is the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs net.
Almost certain is that regardless of what happens in training camp, the Leafs are planning to go into the season with last season's tandem of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. Dennis Hildeby may not go without a fight.
The 23-year-old Hildeby is seen as a potential NHL goalie and a possible starter in the future, and with Anthony Stolarz a free agent at the end of the season, it could open up an opportunity for Hildeby to audition in-season for the backup job.
The Overdrive panel discussed Hildeby, along with fellow goalie prospect Artur Akhtyamov, pointing out that they're the new duo for the Marlies with Matt Murray signing a one-year deal in Seattle.
Although neither can be rushed, both will have their chances to show where they are in their young stage and see what they do in competing for the starter role, with Hildeby the closer NHL prospect and Akhtyamov the long-term swing.
Depending on how things play out for the Leafs, they will be looking at how their two netminders play when considering their future in net, whether they can replace Stolarz or Woll with Hildeby next season if he's ready, or if Akhtyamov emerges and they sign a stopgap.
Recently, former Leaf James Reimer was linked to the Leafs as someone to take a look at, someone who if Hildeby can't take an NHL job and Akhtyamov needs more time, a temporary option to secure the Leafs net tandem.
The Leafs Aren't Done Yet - More Moves Could Be Coming in August
One thing that the Overdrive team expects, and is likely to be the case, is the Leafs trying to secure a final deal down the line before the season starts.
You don't have to spend every penny you have, especially in July and August. Wait it out. See what opens up.
And, you know, you mentioned there's a second wave coming, and I agree in terms of PTOs, and there will be trades.
There'll be trades in August. Guys will get moved. I don't know if there'll be blockbusters, but there will be deals.
And, you know, you mentioned there's a second wave coming, and I agree in terms of PTOs, and there will be trades.
There'll be trades in August. Guys will get moved. I don't know if there'll be blockbusters, but there will be deals.
The top free agent remaining, Jack Roslovic, has had his market quiet but the Leafs are still likely in the hunt as they had expressed a decent amount of interest in the forward.
It's hard to see Roslovic on a PTO, but he could still be a bargain add for Toronto at the right price, and still being unsigned only makes it more likely a team looks to settle before a tryout deal.
The Leafs, who currently have 14 forwards as well as the unsigned Nick Robertson, will have to make some moves to their roster to get to their limit.
It would not be a shock if Michael Pezzetta is placed on waivers with the goal of sending him to the AHL, making it 14 forwards.
Robertson could be a player who gets traded depending on how his arbitration shakes out, with other forwards being options too including David Kämpf and Calle Järnkrok.
The next few weeks could be essential for the Toronto Maple Leafs in figuring out their identity ahead of what will be a radically different roster regardless of how things shake out.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 1 | 1539 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Roster Still in Limbo as Experts Debate What Comes Next Can the Toronto Maple Leafs make the Stanley Cup finals with their current roster? | ||
| Yes | 726 | 47.2 % |
| No | 813 | 52.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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