Because the preseason continues, the competitors for spots within the Toronto Maple Leafs’ backside six stays fierce. With a number of gamers preventing to show they belong within the NHL, every preseason sport provides a glimpse into who would possibly safe a coveted roster spot.
Of their current matchup towards the Ottawa Senators, a number of gamers vying for bottom-six roles had a chance to point out their abilities. The Maple Leafs misplaced 2-1, however the actual focus was on particular person performances somewhat than the ultimate rating. What did we discover out after the primary two preseason video games?
Bobby McMann: A Lock for the Backside-Six?
Bobby McMann’s gameplay all through coaching camp and preseason has made him a digital shoo-in for a bottom-six function. He performed over 18 minutes towards the Senators, exhibiting how a lot the teaching employees values him. He’s versatile sufficient to contribute at each ends of the ice. He’s a great candidate to anchor the fourth line – and even greater within the lineup if wanted.
Head coach Craig Berube likes McMann’s velocity, grit, and willingness to battle within the corners. Whether or not enjoying on the penalty kill or in a grinding, shutdown function, his place within the lineup seems secure, barring any sudden developments.
Pontus Holmberg vs. David Kämpf: Who Fills the Fourth-Line Heart Position?
Pontus Holmberg is one other participant who’s been greater than hanging in there. His ice time within the sport towards Ottawa was additionally strong. He bought 18 minutes, which suggests the teaching employees sees him as a critical contender for an everyday roster spot. He, too, is flexible sufficient to play each middle and wing. On high of that, he performs strong defence. That form of two-way play makes him a gorgeous choice for a bottom-six unit that desires to chop down on errors. He seemed sturdy throughout sport two of the preseason.
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The battle for the fourth-line middle spot could come all the way down to Holmberg or David Kämpf. Kämpf is a identified commodity and the form of participant who will be trusted to take faceoffs within the group’s defensive zone all night time. Within the second sport of the preseason, he performed over 17 minutes. He’s been a reliable defensive middle for the Maple Leafs for a number of seasons. Nonetheless, Kämpf’s $2.4 million cap hit may make him expendable, particularly in contrast with Holmberg’s extra reasonably priced $800,000 wage. The query is: Can Holmberg deal with the function?
If Toronto decides to maintain Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander at middle, and if the group indicators Max Pacioretty, wage cap issues could come into play. In that state of affairs, Kämpf or Calle Järnkrok could possibly be the odd males out, with Holmberg probably securing the fourth-line middle place.
Nicholas Robertson: The Wild Card
Nicholas Robertson stays some of the fascinating tales in camp. After lacking the primary sport, he was slotted right into a right-wing function towards Ottawa. He’s normally on the left-wing spot. Does the choice to play him on the suitable facet recommend that Pacioretty is near signing with the group? Does that make a left-wing spot much less possible for Robertson?
Robertson’s 18:40 of ice time—among the many highest within the sport—exhibits that the teaching employees is giving him an opportunity to point out his potential. His future with the group stays unsure, significantly after an offseason the place commerce rumours ran rampant. If Robertson performs nicely in his new function, he may carve out a spot on the roster, probably as a third-line winger – on both facet. Alternatively, he could possibly be on the transfer if the suitable commerce supply materializes. The very fact is that, whereas he didn’t seize some extent through the sport, his sport had a ton of leap to it.
The Darkish Horse: Easton Cowan
Easton Cowan is a participant many had excessive hopes for coming into camp. That mentioned, he has not but made a big influence. After a powerful preseason final 12 months, he has been quieter this time. His ice time—simply over 14 minutes—means that the group continues to be evaluating his potential. Whereas he hasn’t accomplished something to harm his probabilities, he hasn’t jumped out. His sport has no look-at-me facet to it – at the very least up to now.
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Cowan’s greatest shot at making the group would possibly come via his energy play efficiency, the place he logged 4:36 within the Senators sport. Nonetheless, with the Maple Leafs’ deep roster, he would possibly want extra time to develop. The group’s query is the place he’d be taught essentially the most. Do they suppose he can develop extra in juniors or with the large membership? He presents a dilemma for the group, and the place he begins the preseason is up within the air.
Who’s Doubtless Headed to the Marlies?
A number of gamers appear destined to begin the season within the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Toronto Marlies. Roni Hirvonen, Logan Shaw, Nikita Grebenkin (sadly for a lot of Maple Leafs followers), and Jacob Quillan noticed restricted ice time within the Senators sport, indicating they’re on the skin wanting in relating to the NHL roster. That is no shock for gamers like Hirvonen and Grebenkin, who will proceed to develop their abilities in hopes of a future NHL call-up.
Alex Steeves, who performed simply over 12 minutes, additionally seems to be heading to the Marlies. Whereas Steeves has had flashes of offensive cleverness in previous probabilities, he hasn’t been in a position to make a powerful sufficient case for an everyday NHL function simply but.
Trying Forward for the Maple Leafs
The battles for bottom-six roster spots will intensify because the Maple Leafs’ preseason rolls on. With choices looming for gamers like Kämpf, Holmberg, and Robertson, the subsequent few preseason video games may considerably influence how the group’s opening night time roster takes form.
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Whether or not it’s McMann solidifying his function, Holmberg pushing Kämpf for a middle spot, or Robertson preventing to stick with the membership, the battle for the Maple Leafs’ backside six is way from over.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]
