• Full Press Coverage
  • Full Press Wrestling
  • Full Press Radio Network
  • FullPressShop.com
  • Want to write for us?
  • Advertise With Us

Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Full Press Hockey
  • NHL
    • Atlantic Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • Metropolitan Division
      • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Central Division
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • Pacific Division
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Full Press NHL Pod
    • Full Press Hockey Weekly
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • Mike Saves Hockey
    • Final Word On Hockey
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • Front Range Podcast
    • Sal and Cratty Pod
    • Fantasy Hockey X
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Hockey
  • NHL
    • Atlantic Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • Metropolitan Division
      • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Central Division
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • Pacific Division
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Full Press NHL Pod
    • Full Press Hockey Weekly
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • Mike Saves Hockey
    • Final Word On Hockey
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • Front Range Podcast
    • Sal and Cratty Pod
    • Fantasy Hockey X
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Hockey
No Result
View All Result
Home NHL Atlantic Division Toronto Maple Leafs

Breaking Down The Leafs’ Depth – And Training Camp Battles

Adam Proteau by Adam Proteau
August 10, 2021
in Atlantic Division, NHL, Opinion, Toronto Maple Leafs
0
1.1k
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

It’s the dog days of summer, but there’s always time and topics to discuss when it comes to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Today, let’s examine the likely battles for open positions on the team. The big picture can change, of course, with a major trade before training camp. But with management committed to its core, and to bringing back most of the roster from this past season, there won’t be many available roster spots, and the ones that are open will probably be contested ferociously by players on the periphery.

Center

Embed from Getty Images

Auston Matthews, John Tavares (locks); Alex Kerfoot (likely); David Kampf, Pierre Engvall, Jason Spezza, Adam Brooks (possibly)

  • Ep 29: Stanley Cup Playoffs; Maple Leafs Collapse; End Of An Era For Penguins
    by Full Press Coverage on May 18, 2022 at 4:31 am

    Mike, Jim, and Chris discuss the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49839480/1802450_1652832066262_restream.mp3

The Rundown: Matthews and Tavares are the team’s top centers, and arguably, their best two players. They’ll each average approximately 20 minutes of ice time, and serve as the team’s leaders on the ice. Kerfoot has the talent and versatility to play center or on the wing, but with the Leafs still more than $1.4 million over the $81.5 million salary cap ceiling (as they’re allowed to be in the off-season), there remains the possibility Toronto GM Kyle Dubas trades Kerfoot for cap relief and prospects or draft picks. If he does, the signing of former Blackhawks forward David Kampf gets a long look as their third-line ‘C’. And on the fourth line, it will probably come down to a choice between youngsters Brooks and Engvall, and veteran Spezza. Head coach Sheldon Keefe was not shy about using Spezza on the wing, so it may well come down to Engvall or Brooks serving as the pivot, and Spezza shifting over to the side.

Right Wing

Mitch Marner, Ilya Mikheyev (locks); Wayne Simmonds (likely); Kampf, Spezza, Ondrej Kase, Kurtis Gabriel, Josh Ho-Sang (possibly)

The Rundown: Marner will be looking to put another disappointing playoff behind him, and Mikheyev will be looking to improve on a disappointing regular season, but they’re the best, fastest skaters at a position that the Leafs are relatively weak at. Simmons returns on a two-year contract, but he plays a physical game that could injure him and open up competition on the third line, mainly for Kampf. And if Spezza isn’t playing at center, he’ll be the frontrunner at training camp to secure the fourth-line spot on the right side. But he’ll have competition for that job, with former Boston Bruin Kase, physical, former Shark Gabriel and training camp tryout/reclamation project Ho-Sang all pushing to avoid being healthy scratches.

Left Wing

William Nylander, Nick Ritchie (locks); Kerfoot, Michael Bunting, Nick Robertson (possibly)

The Rundown: As it is with the Leafs’ right wing, their left wing has talent at the very top, and then intense competition for the remainder of the position. Nylander may start the year on the second line, while Keefe bumps up a player like Ritchie who can benefit from just being the finisher on the top line with Matthews and Marner. Beyond that, the third line is likely to feature either Kerfoot, former Arizona Coyote Bunting, or promising rookie Robertson. If he doesn’t capture the third-line job, Bunting should be a lock for the fourth line LW spot.

Defense

Embed from Getty Images

 

Morgan Rielly, T.J. Brodie (locks)

Jake Muzzin, Justin Holl (locks)

Rasmus Sandin, Travis Dermott (probably); Timothy Liligren, Alex Biega (possibly)

The Rundown: Although he’s entering the final season of his contract and could be traded, Rielly is Toronto’s top minute-muncher at more than an average of 23 minutes per game, and he’ll be depended on by Keefe once again to shoulder the load on the back end. Brodie very quietly had a solid season in his first year as a Leaf, and almost assuredly will be back on the top pairing; that leaves veterans Muzzin and Holl to play on the second pairing, and guarantees the third pairing will be a battle between Sandin and Dermott (both of whom have the most NHL experience of any of the three potential third-pair Leafs defenders) and developing youngster Liligren. Biega, who played 62 games in the past two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, likely will be stashed in the American League and serve as an injury call-up if need be.

Goaltender

Jack Campbell, Petr Mrazek (locks); Michael Hutchinson, Joseph Woll, Ian Scott (possibly)

The Rundown: Campbell and Mrazek will be the Leafs’ two netminders when the regular season begins, and that isn’t likely to change, given the cap commitment Dubas has made to both players. Hutchinson will be given the first look should one of Campbell or Mrazek suffer an injury, but he’ll be the AHL Marlies’ starting goalie, and Woll and Scott will fight it out to be the second goaltender at the AHL level and push Hutchinson for playing time and the possibility of a call-up.

Loading
Loading...
  • Full Press NHL Podcast
  • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
  • Fourth Line Hockey Podcast
  • Calder Farmstead Podcast
  • Front Range Hockey
  • Section
  • FPC Radio LIVE

Full Press NHL Podcast

  • Ep 29: Stanley Cup Playoffs; Maple Leafs Collapse; End Of An Era For Penguins
    by Full Press Coverage on May 18, 2022 at 4:31 am

    Mike, Jim, and Chris discuss the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49839480/1802450_1652832066262_restream.mp3
  • Ep 28: NHL Draft Lottery; Stanley Cup; Islanders Coaching Situation
    by Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2022 at 1:13 am

    Jim Biringer and Chris Wassel discuss the results of the NHL Draft […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49752058/1802450_1652227637197_restream.mp3

Big Bad Bruins Podcast

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

  • Ep 73: Bruins Face Elimination; Bruce Cassidy On Hot Seat; Patrice Bergeron Final Stand
    by Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 4:00 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss game six between the Bruins and Hurricanes and the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5781333124.mp3?updated=1652371901
  • Ep 72: Bruins Acquire Hampus Lindholm; More Moves To Come?
    by Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2022 at 3:34 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the trade of Hampus Lindholm to the Bruins and what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8477785212.mp3?updated=1647791004

Fourth Line Hockey Podcast

  • Episode #381 - The 2022 NHL Spicy Second Round
    by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 2:50 pm

    The 2nd round of the NHL playoffs is well under way and things are getting […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49907667/episode381_output.mp3
  • Episode #380 - The 2022 NHL Playoffs - Second Round
    by Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 2:30 am

    After FIVE!!! game 7's in the first round of the playoffs, the 2nd round […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49825557/episode380_output.mp3

Calder Farmstead Podcast

  • Episode #102: French or Silence
    by Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 5:46 am

    The AHL Divisional Semifinals have concluded, and now, only eight teams […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49884050/the_calder_farmstead_episode_102_final.mp3
  • Episode #101: Playoff Post Mortem
    by Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 6:11 am

    The 2022 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs are in full swing, with (almost) two […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49826649/the_calder_farmstead_episode_101_final.mp3

Front Range Hockey

  • Episode #102: French or Silence
    by Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 5:46 am

    The AHL Divisional Semifinals have concluded, and now, only eight teams […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49884050/the_calder_farmstead_episode_102_final.mp3
  • Episode #101: Playoff Post Mortem
    by Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 6:11 am

    The 2022 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs are in full swing, with (almost) two […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49826649/the_calder_farmstead_episode_101_final.mp3

Section

  • Ep 60: #KrejciForever and Raised Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 9:23 pm

    Ian and Chris talk about the Bruins post trade deadline turnaround and […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/32832621/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-4-4%2F5fff8870-3e65-c0ca-e920-87f009fd80b8.mp3
  • Ep 59: Bruins Swing Big At Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 9:48 pm

    Ian and Chris welcome in Mike Cratty to discuss the trade acquisitions of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/31287822/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-12%2Ff58714b8-6022-3934-eaa5-6290cfb68d8c.mp3

FPC Radio LIVE

  • Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?
    by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm

    Ian and John discuss the upcoming Tom Brady roast and which athlete they […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49907858/fpcradio_5_23_bradyroast.mp3
  • Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)
    by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Warriors commanding 3-0 series lead over the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49907820/fpcradiolive_5_23_nbaplayoffs.mp3





Tags: Jack CampbellJake MuzzinJustin HollMorgan RiellyRasmus SandinT.J. Brodie
Previous Post

Flyers Sign RFA Goaltender Carter Hart to New Three-Year Contract

Next Post

2021 Abbotsford Canucks Offseason Player Tracker

Adam Proteau

Adam Proteau

Next Post
2021 Abbotsford Canucks Offseason Player Tracker

2021 Abbotsford Canucks Offseason Player Tracker

2021 Henderson Silver Knights Offseason Player Tracker

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Plugin Install : Widget Tab Post needs JNews - View Counter to be installed
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
NHL rumors

NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild

May 22, 2022
NHL rumors

NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers

May 18, 2022
Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews to The Desert Doesn’t Seem Plausible

May 19, 2022
NHL Postseason

NHL Postseason Dissection: Predators, Capitals See Early Playoff Exit

2
bruins Patrice Bergeron future

Patrice Bergeron Not Ready To Discuss Future Following Game Seven Loss

3
2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs

2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Notebook: It Is All About Game 7

3
Connor McDavid

2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Notebook: Connor McDavid and Nazem Kadri Take Center Stage

May 24, 2022
Stockton Heat to Relocate to Calgary

Stockton Heat to Relocate to Calgary

May 24, 2022
Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning Not Giving The Florida Panthers Any Life

May 23, 2022


  • Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?
    by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm

    Ian and John discuss the upcoming Tom Brady roast and which athlete they would want to see roasted.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49907858/fpcradio_5_23_bradyroast.mp3
  • HW 4.38 ft Marco D'Amico
    by HW Radio on May 24, 2022 at 12:59 am

    Marco D'Amico of Montreal Hockey Now joins the show to talk NHL Draft, Prospects, Flyers coaching […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49915320/267451512_44100_2_fac67a301c2d3.mp3
  • Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)
    by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Warriors commanding 3-0 series lead over the Mavericks and how do the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49907820/fpcradiolive_5_23_nbaplayoffs.mp3
  • 5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roast
    by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Red Sox recent surge, the Warriors lead over the Mavericks, the Celtics […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49908535/adv8367704300.mp3
  • Episode #381 - The 2022 NHL Spicy Second Round
    by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 2:50 pm

    The 2nd round of the NHL playoffs is well under way and things are getting spicy! We take a look at […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49907667/episode381_output.mp3
  • S3Ep29 - Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Round 2 Stanley Cup Playoffs Talk
    by Jim Biringer on May 22, 2022 at 8:00 pm

    Jim is joined by Marc Weiss and Coach Jay as they discuss Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM6259861559.mp3?updated=1653311551
  • Off The Post Talks Barry Trotz, Playoffs, World Championships and Combine
    by Off The Post on May 21, 2022 at 9:41 pm

    Off The Post Talks Barry Trotz, Playoffs, World Championships, and the NHL Combine. Some early NHL […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/1272830371-russ-cohen-off-the-post-talks-barry-trotz-playoffs-world-championships-and-combine.mp3
  • Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am

    Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the series shifts to Boston.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49878652/fpcradio_5_20_celticsheatnba.mp3
All Shows

  • 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Notebook: Connor McDavid and Nazem Kadri Take Center Stage
    by Jim Biringer on May 24, 2022 at 7:37 pm

    Welcome to another edition of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Notebook highlighting Connor McDavid […]

  • AFC South: The Most Important Non-QB For Each Team
    by Ryan Cuneo on May 24, 2022 at 1:00 pm

    To preview the AFC South for 2022, let's identify the most important player for each of its four […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM2266342186.mp3?updated=1650484841
  • Top Position Battles Among 2022 Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart
    by Braden Holecek on May 23, 2022 at 7:53 pm

    Top Position Battles Among 2022 Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart. There are still some starting spots […]

  • Bengals News Roundup & Analysis (5/23)
    by Andy Hammel on May 23, 2022 at 6:19 pm

    Embed from Getty Images The Bengals opened their offseason workout program back at the beginning of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM2266342186.mp3?updated=1650484841
  • Chicago Bears: Jaylan Johnson Ready to Enjoy Breakout Season
    by Carlos Nazario on May 23, 2022 at 4:38 pm

    The Chicago Bears have a new coaching staff and outlook. With the additions on defense, cornerback […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM2266342186.mp3?updated=1650484841
  • Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?
    by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm

    Ian and John discuss the upcoming Tom Brady roast and which athlete they would want to see roasted.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49907858/fpcradio_5_23_bradyroast.mp3
  • Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)
    by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Warriors commanding 3-0 series lead over the Mavericks and how do the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49907820/fpcradiolive_5_23_nbaplayoffs.mp3
  • 5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roast
    by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Red Sox recent surge, the Warriors lead over the Mavericks, the Celtics […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49908535/adv8367704300.mp3
  • Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am

    Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the series shifts to Boston.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49878652/fpcradio_5_20_celticsheatnba.mp3
  • Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)
    by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead over the Presidents […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49878600/fpcradio_5_20_lightningnhl.mp3
  • 5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heat
    by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight Stanley Cup and the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49877345/adv8008062838.mp3
  • 5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffs
    by Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm

    Ian and John react to the Celtics game seven win over the Bucks and Jayson Tatum's emergence. In […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49833358/adv7848941251.mp3
  • NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)
    by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am

    Ian and John discuss the release of the NFL schedule.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49787037/fpcradiolive_5_13_nflschedule.mp3
Full Press Hockey

2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • NHL
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • NHL
    • Atlantic Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • Metropolitan Division
      • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Central Division
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • Pacific Division
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Full Press NHL Pod
    • Full Press Hockey Weekly
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • Mike Saves Hockey
    • Final Word On Hockey
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • Front Range Podcast
    • Sal and Cratty Pod
    • Fantasy Hockey X
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop

2020 Full Press Coverage