As the Toronto Maple Leafs gear up for the upcoming training camp, all eyes will be on the competition for spots on the left wing—a key area that remains uncertain after a busy off-season. While General Manager Brad Treliving made several notable moves, one crucial aspect of the team’s lineup is still up in the air.
Treliving’s second summer in charge of the Leafs saw major changes, starting with the hiring of Craig Berube as the new head coach and the promotion of Auston Matthews to captain, succeeding John Tavares. Alongside these headline-making decisions, the team saw the usual shuffle of players—some new faces were brought in, while others departed. The additions included defensemen Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz. Meanwhile, forward Max Domi secured a four-year deal after a solid initial season with the Leafs. However, the departures of key players such as Ilya Samsonov, TJ Brodie, and Tyler Bertuzzi have left gaps that need filling, particularly on the left side.
The challenge now is figuring out who will step up to replace the lost production, especially considering Bertuzzi’s departure after contributing 21 goals last season. Matthew Knies, entering his second full NHL season, is expected to take on a larger offensive role, potentially solidifying his place in the top six. Knies’ combination of strength, skill, and intelligence positions him as a promising power forward, but beyond him, the options become less clear.
One potential solution being explored is the signing of veteran Max Pacioretty, though his recent injury history raises concerns. Pacioretty, now 35, has been limited to just 53 games over the past two seasons, scoring only seven goals. If he were to join the Leafs on a standard contract rather than a tryout, it would be a gamble given the team’s salary cap situation.
Other candidates for the left wing include Bobby McMann, Pontus Holmberg, and Connor Dewar, though they all face the challenge of proving themselves in training camp. The Leafs are also keeping an eye on prospects like Easton Cowan, who had an impressive season with the OHL’s London Knights and will have the opportunity to make his case during the pre-season. Additionally, Nick Robertson might find new opportunities under Berube’s leadership, especially if the Leafs and Robertson can come to terms on a new agreement.
Ultimately, the competition for the left-wing position in the Leafs’ lineup will be fierce, with several players vying to make their mark. The door is wide open, and it’s up to these players to seize the opportunity and show that they belong on the roster for the upcoming season.
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