The Toronto Maple Leafs final roster is shaping up.
Soon enough, we’ll get the word on who’s in and who’s out as the Toronto Maple Leafs near the end of their preseason schedule.
For this article, we’re going to look at the fringe players, the ones that most likely will not have a roster spot with the Leafs come October 4, but are typically considered NHL ready.
These – on the bubble – players still have a shot at cracking the final roster, but it’s a long shot at that.
It’s always a tough time of year because sometimes we as fans get let down by some of the players who are left on the outside looking in.
Naturally, we want to see these players – that are hyped up – play for obvious reasons although management knows best and whatever final roster they have will be the right one.
I have faith in Mike Babcock and company.
Outside Looking In
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Kasperi Kapanen leads the charge here, followed swiftly by Josh Leivo.
To me, those are the two most quality NHL ready players the Leafs have in their system, both having already made a lasting impression on the organization.
In my opinion, Kapanen has the skill to be a top-six forward (potentially elite with his work ethic) and will find his way to a regular spot in the NHL this season.
Whether that’s with the Leafs or another team, we don’t know.
Leivo also the potential to be a top-six forward that can be played up and down the lineup on any team.
Same thing goes for him as well.
It’s all just a matter of room and the Leafs just don’t have that on the wings for these guys quite yet.
Some other players that are outside looking in are, Carl Grundstrom, Andreas Borgman, Travis Dermott, Frederik Gauthier, Kerby Rychel, Jeremy Bracco, Adam Brooks, Andreas Johnsson and Nikita Soshnikov to name a few.
Now, Dermott could potentially earn a roster spot, but I believe he’s chasing Calle Rosen and Gauthier’s injury plays against him.
Soshnikov has seen considerable NHL action, but a late-season concussion rendered him to miss some time, setting him back in his development.
As for the rest of that bunch, a case could be made for all of them being ready, but the same thing applies in regards to the lack of room.
Things will shape up soon enough.