Toronto Maple Leafs Training Camp Roster

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced their Training Camp Roster.

Camp opened today (Thursday) with player physicals. The Toronto Maple Leafs have invited 73 players to camp.

An NHL roster has 23 players on it, so 50 of these guys are going to get cut. Over the next few weeks as we lead up to the season it will be interesting to see who makes it and who doesn’t.

Adding further intrigue is the possibility of a trade.  This possibility is brought on my several factors.  The Leafs have too many forwards. They have three quality veterans who are pending unrestricted free-agents.  They could use an upgrade to their blue line, and there are players knocking on the door.

Stories to Look Out for at Toronto Maple Leafs Camp:

Timothy Liljegren’s progress will be closely watched.  The #17 overall pick would have to demolish the competition in order to make the team.  He’s really, really good and that is not impossible.

Where will Patrick Marleau play?  Not with Matthews is my guess, at least not as long as Nylander is playing with with Matthews. If Nylander was to play centre, Kapanen could be the defensive presence on a line with Matthews and Marleau.  Otherwise, look for Marleau to skate with Bozak, since he’s no good what should be the shut-down line with Kadri and Komarov.

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Kasperi Kapanen will be another big story.  He’s the Leafs fastest skater and one of their only good defensive players.  Defense is a concern for this team, so look for them to find a way to get Kapanen in the lineup.

Roman Polak will get some press as he tries to make the team on a PTO.  The odds are he makes it – because the Matt Martin loving Leafs are going to drive you nuts.  He clearly shouldn’t make it and the hope is cooler heads prevail. 

Will Josh Leivo make the team? Will he play if he does?  After protecting him at the expense of Branden Leipsic, let’s hope he gets a chance.

Potential Surprises

The best part of training camp is the chance for some player to make the team out of nowhere.  The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have most of their NHL roster already filled, but with moves already on the horizon, a strong camp by an unexpectedly ready rookie could help facilitate a trade.

Next: They Wouldn't Really Bring Him Back?

Carl Grundstrom, Timothy Liljegren, Calle Rosen and Andreas Borgoman are all good candidates to surprise in this way.   As for someone really coming out of nowhere? Its impossible to say, as there are a lot of players I’ve never even heard of.

If this camp is like past ones, expect the first cuts to come early and the team to get down quickly to a more manageable number.