Leafs Need To Improve Depth With One Of These PTO Options

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Tyler Ball
August 16, 2023 (2:05 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs depth has been talked about for years now. During the playoffs, their depth, or lack thereof has become apparent over multiple years. This year the free agent market is full of players still unsigned. There are three players in particular that the Leafs should consider giving a PTO (Player Try-Out) to that could immensely improve their depth.

Leafs Need To Weaponize PTO Market

Currently, there are several players who played big roles on teams during the 2022-23 season still looking for contracts. The three of note today are Ethan Bear, Max Comtois, and Josh Bailey. All three players have played significant roles in various organizations over the past few seasons.

Taking A Look At The Leafs Options

First up is Ethan Bear who spent last season with the Vancouver Canucks. Bear is a mobile defense-first defenseman. When he was at his best he was a top-four option that was able to be a good compliment to a more offensive defenseman. At just 26 years of age, Bear has plenty of hockey still ahead of him. He is coming off of a year where he played with a struggling Canucks team so it could take him a bit to find his game.

Next is Max Comtois who is currently just 24 years old. Just a couple short seasons ago Comtois was considered a big part of the Ducks' future after putting up 33 points in 55 games during the 2020-21 season. Since then he has taken a step back and hasn't eclipsed the 20-point mark. However, he plays with the edge that many feel has been missing from the Leafs' lineup in past seasons. He also has the potential to find his offensive game again and be a diamond in the rough pickup for Toronto.

Finally, the third player is Josh Bailey. Bailey differs from the previous two as he is a veteran forward coming off of a long successful stint playing for the New York Islanders. He may not be what he once was in his prime but Bailey is a good depth forward who can provide offense when called upon. He is 33 years old and would likely be a one-year solution. Bailey is also friends with his former Islander teammate and current Leafs Captain John Tavares. He also brings more stability and predictability than a player like Comtois does.

Leafs Must Choose Wisely

Of these options, the Leafs can likely only add one or two so if they are going to pick they must make sure they are right. Going with the younger options allows them more time to evaluate and develop the player. But going with a player like Bailey could be a stable move that is good for the locker room.

As Read On - The Hockey Writers - Maple Leafs Have 3 Good PTO Options to Consider