Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Are the Leafs Contenders?

Josh Tessler

With the emergence of Travis Dermott, the Toronto Maple Leafs can certainly contend for a Stanley Cup this year.

While Dermott has been a strong force in the defensive end, they still need help to have any chance of toppling the Tampa Bay Lightning. So far this season, Tampa has been the best team in the East and are built specifically for a long playoff run.

In order to beat them, the Leafs will need to move one of their forwards prior to the deadline. The goal should be to trade someone with an expiring contract, who can serve as a rental for another playoff bubble team.

It’ll be a tough decision for Lou Lamoriello, as Leo Komarov and Tyler Bozak will likely be up for discussion. They need to move someone in order to open up a permanent spot for Kasperi Kapanen, who has earned an extended stay.

Komarov has been a vital asset for the Leafs this season in the defensive zone and on the penalty kill. He also provides solid veteran leadership, which is needed on a team full of young players.

As stated in a previous post, the Leafs desperately need to move on from Bozak and cash out. His time has simply run out in Toronto, and a change of scenery may do both parties some good.

Additionally, although challenging, they should be on the lookout for teams willing to take on Dominic Moore and Matt Martin‘s contracts in order to free up more roster spots. Moore has been shuffling in and out of the lineup and as of late, with Martin doing the same.

If the Leafs feel the need to grab another forward come February 26th, they should look for a fourth line centre. I’ve recommended Jean-Gabriel Pageau in the past. He’d still be my pick.