The Toronto Maple Leafs will see an intense competition for roster spots when training camp begins in September.
One of the most intriguing aspects will be monitoring the progress of recent draft picks Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten as they attempt to secure a place on the team.
Last preseason, they were the top story, impressing the Leafs’ management and fans with their performances.
Cowan earned an extended look and played more preseason games than expected before being sent back to the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, where he had a dominant season. Minten played four games with the Maple Leafs before also returning to junior.
Both players had strong 2023-2024 development years, making them prime candidates to take the next step. Minten is eligible to play in the AHL, but if Cowan doesn’t make the Leafs, he would have to return to junior, which seems unnecessary given his previous dominance there.
Cowan would likely have to perform poorly to miss the team, while Minten showed he was good enough to make it last season, so both players have a solid chance of making the roster.
However, they aren’t the only players vying for a spot. Alex Steeves, if re-signed, has spent considerable time in the AHL and is ready for an NHL role on the fourth line. Topi Niemela, coming off a successful rookie season in the AHL, will challenge for minutes on the blue line.
The Leafs also have a surplus of wingers: Nylander, Domi, Knies, and Marner in the top six, followed by Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, and Calle Jarnkrok, making seven wingers for six spots.
Additionally, if the Leafs add a center, Pontus Holmberg’s position comes into question. Clearly, there will be significant competition at Leafs camp, putting several players’ roster spots at risk.
