As the NHL preseason approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves with a roster that is mostly settled in terms of their top forwards. Players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander are considered safe bets to make the team out of training camp, but the bottom-six roles remain a point of uncertainty.
General manager Brad Treliving has some decisions to make when it comes to the composition of the team’s fourth line. While there have been projected lineups, the exact makeup of the bottom six, especially the fourth line, is still up in the air.
One potential moving piece on the fourth line is forward David Kampf. While Kampf is an important player for the Leafs, there is speculation that he could be on the move. His current contract runs for the next three seasons at $2.4 million AAV, so trading him could free up some much-needed cap space. It’s possible that head coach Joel Berube might prefer a player with a grittier playing style in Kampf’s spot, perhaps someone with a more team-friendly contract.
Another gritty forward in the mix is Ryan Reaves, who was signed by the Maple Leafs last offseason. While Reaves brings a physical presence to the team and can fire up his teammates and the crowd, his age and limited playing time last season raise questions about his future with the team. At 37 years old, relying on Reaves to play every night may not be sustainable in the long run. As a fan favorite, Reaves is valued for his impact on the ice and in the locker room, but the Leafs management may need to weigh the costs and benefits of keeping him on the roster.
With potential openings in the bottom six, several young players in the Maple Leafs system are vying for a spot on the team. Players like Easton Cowan, who had a standout season with the London Knights in the OHL, and Fraser Minten, who has shown promise in his previous NHL stint, could provide a fresh perspective on the fourth line. Both players bring a mix of defensive responsibility and offensive upside, offering Toronto management some intriguing options to consider during training camp.
Ultimately, as the Leafs navigate their roster decisions in the lead-up to the season, the composition of the bottom six remains a key area of focus. With a mix of established veterans and budding young talent, the team will need to strike a balance between experience and potential as they work to solidify their lineup for the upcoming season.