Training Camp May Spell the End for Some Familiar Maple Leafs Forwards
Photo credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
According to NHL Insider Darren Dreger, the Toronto Maple Leafs may be close to bidding farewell to multiple players as training camp and a roster logjam lies ahead.
There has been rampant discussion around what additions the Toronto Maple Leafs can make before the beginning of the season. They could go the PTO route and audition a veteran or two, or they could end up finally working out a deal with Jack Roslovic or another free agent.
There's also a potential for them to pull of a trade, and they certainly have a few names they would prefer to dump off ahead of the season.
David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, and Nicholas Robertson are all candidates to be dealt and while the team has tried to find some buyers; it's been radio silence on a trade.
Which Maple Leafs Forwards Could Be on the Chopping Block?
However it seems like the team isn't going to stop from trying to make one, and according to NHL Insider Darren Dreger, we could be looking at a few cuts as the competition at camp is expected to be fierce; with only minimal spots available:
There is no doubt that Treliving was involved in a number of different conversations about players he has under contract and trade scenarios he might have been willing or wanting to move on.
And you think of Kampf, maybe Robertson; Calle Jarnkrok is another guy. Those names have been out there for a while. But there's an abundance of bodies at camp. It's around the corner here. And what that means is a real competitive edge should be brought to training camp.
What does that look like? Who's going to take advantage of going through the exhibition preseason games?
And you think of Kampf, maybe Robertson; Calle Jarnkrok is another guy. Those names have been out there for a while. But there's an abundance of bodies at camp. It's around the corner here. And what that means is a real competitive edge should be brought to training camp.
What does that look like? Who's going to take advantage of going through the exhibition preseason games?
It's much of what we've heard before however with time seriously running low for Brad Treliving, it sounds like if you don't bring it, you're gone.
With newcomers like Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua and Nic Roy already firmly set in the lineup, and guys like Michael Pezzetta, Easton Cowan, and Jacob Quillan also trying to stake their claim as a roster member; it's going to be tight.
Camp Decisions Could Reshape the Maple Leafs' Depth
So if the trio of Kampf, Robertson and Jarnkrok are on the move, where does that leave Toronto in their depth chart situation?
Well, you've got center locked up already. Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Nic Roy, and Scott Laughton hold down the fort. Your winger situation is a bit shaky but with Maccelli, Joshua, Bobby McMann, Max Domi, Steven Lorentz, as well as potentially Roslovic so they have enough bodies.
Robertson in particular is interesting as he had a blistering preseason last year but went ice cold right after. So if he has a good one again, should that give him the edge over someone who might not have the experience but showed the same exuberance?
Let's take a look at a Leafs lineup without the three and see how it shapes up:
Knies - Matthews - Domi
Maccelli - Tavares - Nylander
Joshua - Roy - McMann
Pezzetta - Laughton - Lorentz
Their reserves aren't so bad either with Vinni Lettieri, Travis Boyd, and Bo Groulx all able to play as depth forwards as well who have proven NHL experience.
Does Toronto risk losing out on potentially 15-20 goals from Robertson? Yes, but it's a necessary evil if they want to spread out the depth a little bit. Joshua can swap with Maccelli to give Tavares protection, and the young playmaker can work with Roy to feed McMann rush passes all day.
For a guy like Kampf, who fell out of favor with Craig Berube in the playoffs, doesn't seem to offer everything Toronto needs; especially at his current deal so he is as good as gone.
Robertson is unproven but has shown flashes of brilliance. His potential and upside is enticing but for a team that depends on consistency and reliability; he's a liability instead.
Jarnkrok could be safe given that his season last year was hindered by hernia surgery and recovery; plus his versatility is appealing to Berube and a bargain price (it's more roster spot than salary when it comes to him).
We'll have to see what happens as camp rolls on, and no doubt will we have ears and eyes everywhere about a potential trade.
Good thing we won't have to wait long at all.
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