Maple Leafs Final Cuts: Editor in Leaf Roundtable

Eduardo Razo

Focusing on the defense, Calle Rosen has slowly become my pick for the bottom pair defenseman. Travis Dermott has played well, but he has top-four defenseman potential. The second-year pro is better off playing more minutes in the American Hockey League rather than playing bottom pairing minutes. Rosen has shown his smooth skating ability, and as a left-handed shot; he fits nicely with Connor Carrick who shoots right-handed.

Before the game versus the Montreal Canadiens, Rosen skated alongside the regulars, so he’s impressing Mike Babcock and believe that’s an indication of where he stands. Another battle that’s going on is the fourth line center, and Miro Aaltonen should win this position spot over veteran Dominic Moore. Aaltonen has shown some chemistry alongside Matt Martin, as the duo connected for a goal versus Montreal.

Moore’s second stint in Toronto will be a short one because Aaltonen is also skating with the regulars. The newcomers in Rosen and Aaltonen have made a name for themselves this preseason. These are the that I’d like to see on the team in Winnipeg. Rosen is an upgrade over Roman Polak; he may not possess the physical and mean streak, but he’s a better skater than Polak with speed. Aaltonen appears to have more of an offensive upside than Moore which will help someone like Connor Brown; to have a linemate with skill and even Martin seems to have developed some chemistry with the Finnish winger.