There are certain players we know for sure will be sporting the Leafs crest come October. Players like Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner, William Nylander (barring a trade...), Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, Ilya Samsonov, T.J. Brodie, and the like.
Though, even though the roster spot isn't a question for these players, there still are things to consider. Like what happens in the likely scenario where Tavares' power play production drops off, or if William Nylander gets traded. Training camp should give some answers to these uncertainties.
There is a small group of players who are pretty highly likely to get a spot with the Leafs this season. This includes Matthew Knies, Sam Lafferty, and Mark Giordano.
This group of players would have to do something wrong not to get a spot, but it is possible. There's a chance Knies' performance in the playoffs last year wasn't the whole picture of who he is as a player (though unlikely), or that Gio's age has caught up to him.
Finally, we have the group that is in the mix and has something to prove. This includes guys like Nick Robertson, Pontus Holmberg, Noah Gregor, and Connor Timmins. These guys have what it takes to play in the NHL, for sure, but will be fighting for depth positions with the Leafs.
As seen on The Athletc - "Maple Leafs roster projection: Who's a lock? Who's got something to prove?"
POLL | ||
Who do you think is most likely to make the Leafs roster? | ||
Robertson | 379 | 37.5 % |
Holmberg | 264 | 26.1 % |
Timmins | 185 | 18.3 % |
Gregor | 184 | 18.2 % |
List of polls |