Making Their Mark

As we approach the start of the 2022-23 NHL season, the Maple Leafs roster seems to be taken shape throughout the pre-season. The one thing that no General Manager or Head Coach can plan for, is injuries, which is something the Maple Leafs have been hit with a lot already, the only good thing that comes out of injuries on the team is an opportunity for the next guy in line. In this article, we will look at both the injuries to the Maple Leafs and those players who are either in line for the open roster spot or on the cusp of pushing for one. Injuries:

John Tavares – Oblique (Minimum 3 Weeks) Pierre Engvall – Ankle (Week to Week) Timothy Liljegren – Sports Hernia (6 Weeks) Jordie Benn – Groin (Week to Week) Carl Dahlstrom – Shoulder (6 Months)

In the Running:

Forwards: Zach Ashton-Reese (PTO) Denis Malgin Nick Robertson Wayne Simmonds Alex Steeves Pontus Holmberg

Defence: Victor Mete Filip Kral Goalies:

Erik Källgren

I feel that the players above have been the players who have stood out to me the most throughout the pre-season and have a serious shot to make the opening night roster. The hardest part for the players listed is none of these articles are listed as long-term, so they have less time in the show before the regulars come back to the lineup. Notables from the listed players:

Zach Ashton-Reese:

Zach has had a good camp, and to many has earned himself a contract with the Maple Leafs. It has been reported that Zach Ashton-Reese should be offered a contract as soon as the pre-season finishes. That contract should be in the area of $800K and he should see time as a regular on the 4th line alongside Aube-Kubel.

Denis Malgin:

Since returning Malgin has shown a ton of improvements to his game, and also has worked extremely well with both Pontus Holmberg and Willy Nylander. I feel that he will be given a chance to make the team up to the final day before the team needs to be cap compliant, and then it will come down to him and/or Robertson for the permanent spot on the 2nd line. I can also see Malgin being given the spot to fill Pierre Engvall’s spot on the 3rd line until Engvall makes his return to the lineup.

Nick Robertson:

Robertson has been described by Coach Keefe as “the best he has looked in a Leafs jersey” and that is 100% true. He came into camp after the rookie camp in Traverse City like a man on a mission and hasn’t disappointed. He is making a case for the 2nd line opening, alongside Tavares and Nylander, but he still needs to work at his game and not become complacent throughout the regular season, or he may find himself back in the American League.

Overall, this camp has been fun to watch and predict the lineup, as well as watch how the management juggles the cap. It should be expected that the team will make cuts after Monday’s game as the Marlies Camp starts Wednesday.

My Projected Lineup:

Forwards:

F1: Bunting - Matthews - Marner

F2: Nylander - Kerfoot - Robertson

F3: Järnkrok - Kampf - Malgin *

F4: Ashton-Reese - Gaudette - Aube-Kubel

* Malgin is into till Engvall is cleared

Defence:

D1: Rielly - Brodie

D2: Giordano - Sandin

D3: Muzzin - Holl

Goalies: