Forwards
Is Nazem Kadri finally ready to assume the No.1 center role?
Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
For the purposes of making this interesting, we will assume Kessel, Phaneuf, Polak, Robidas and Bozak will all be moved by training camp without NHL roster players coming back. We will also assume that none of the teams UFA’s will be resigned. With that being said here is the Leafs’ depth chart as of now;
James Van Riemsdyk – Nazem Kadri – Joffrey Lupul
? – Peter Holland – ?
Leo Komarov – ? – Richard Panik
? – ? – ?
Extras: Casey Bailey, Zach Hyman
Prospects Who Could Push For Jobs: Josh Leivo (LW), Sam Carrick (C), Matt Frattin (RW)
For the sake of argument, let us assume that Josh Leivo and Matt Frattin take the wings on either side of Peter Holland on the second line. Zach Hyman will push Frattin/Panik/Bailey for a role on the RW, but will most likely start the year in the AHL.
We’ll also assume Sam Carrick gets the keys to the Leafs 4th line center job and Casey Bailey will fit on his RW. This leaves the Leafs with a hole at 3rd Line Center, possibly at 2nd Line Right Wing if Frattin/Panik/Hyman/Bailey can’t step into a scoring role, and at 4th Line Left Wing.
Next: Defence and Goaltending