Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Veterans and Their Replacements

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a busy offseason ahead of them.

When you look back a few years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs had nothing to play for (aside from the obvious draft lottery position) and midway through the season their fans would already have their sights set on the offseason.

This year is a whole different story. The Maple Leafs are getting ready for a run at the Stanley Cup, and have already added a piece in Tomas Plekanec to fill a role on the fourth line. While the primary focus is on the postseason, that doesn’t mean we should be ignoring what’s to come in the offseason.

The Leafs have several veterans who have expiring contracts this year, and they likely won’t be back. Meanwhile, they have several prospects who are lighting it up in the AHL and could be seriously considered for full time spots in the NHL next season. I’m going to preview three veterans who will likely walk and the prospects who I could see replacing them.

1. Curtis McElhinney

McElhinney has done just about everything you could ask of a backup goalie.

Despite Frederik Andersen’s outstanding performance and insane workload this season, C-Mac has been just as reliable and has gotten the job done in his few appearances. In 11 games, he’s posted a record of 7-4-0 with a save percentage of .932 and a GAA of 2.24. On top of that, two of his seven wins were shutouts.

There really isn’t much more you could ask of a backup goalie. With the way I’m pumping his tires, you’d be surprised that I think he’ll be searching for a new team come next season. Here’s why.

His replacement: Garret Sparks or Calvin Pickard

It feels weird to say it, but the Maple Leafs have excellent goaltender depth.

After years of struggling to find even a competent starting goalie, the Leafs have loads of them in the pipelines. While Andersen and McElhinney have formed an outstanding duo this season, Sparks and Pickard have formed one of their own in the AHL.

In 31 games, Sparks is riding a record of 21-8-1 with a save percentage of .935 and a GAA of 1.82. Meanwhile, Pickard is sporting a record of 17-7-0 with a save percentage of .925 and a GAA of 2.04.

As great as McElhinney as been, it just doesn’t seem possible to keep both of these young netminders in the AHL for next season. One of them will be backing up Andersen in the NHL while one of them will either be used as an asset or will continue to shut the door in the AHL.

2. Tyler Bozak

Bozak is one of the longest serving Leafs, but it seems as though his time in Toronto has come to an end.

His contract is off the books this summer and while he’s served his time through thick and thin, it doesn’t seem like the Maple Leafs will be keeping him around. He’s had some solid offensive seasons in his time here and he’s been a solid middle six centre during his time in the blue and white, but he’s replaceable.

Who will take his place, though?

His replacement: Miro Aaltonen

Aaltonen almost won the fourth line centre job at the start of the year.

It was between him and Dominic Moore, and Moore had the edge due to his veteran presence and Leafs’ brass wanting to give Aaltonen a chance to adjust to the North American ice at a lower level.

And so far, he hasn’t disappointed.

Him and fellow prospect Andreas Johnson have been lighting it up as of late. Aaltonen has 15 points in his last eight games, and on top of that he plays a Mike Babcock style of game. He has a bit of a pesky side to his credit and can chip in on the penalty kill.

He honestly could be the Leafs fourth line centre right now, but going out and acquiring Plekanec proves that they want Aaltonen to benefit from a full year in the AHL. Regardless, he will be a bottom six centre for the Leafs next year, ultimately replacing Tyler Bozak.

3. James van Riemsdyk

It’s kind of ironic that I’m writing this considering I wrote an article on why the Leafs should consider keeping JVR around no more than a month ago.

Realistically though, I can’t imagine the Leafs bringing him back for next season. He’s a consistent 30 goal scorer and teams will no doubt want to cash in on him this offseason. He will get a big contract but it won’t be from the Leafs.

Normally, you’d think that the Toronto Maple Leafs would be doing everything they could to keep their 30 goal scorer. But in this case, the Leafs have so much offensive depth in both the NHL and the farm system that losing JVR won’t hurt them as much as it could hurt another team. So who would be JVR’s replacement?

His replacement: Andreas Johnsson

It’s time to give Johnsson a full time job with the Maple Leafs.

He’s come a long way for a seventh round pick in 2013, but make no mistake. He will be a dynamic NHL player.

Here’s a fun fact. He’s lit up every single league he’s played in to this date. From the Swedish junior league to the Swedish Elite League to the AHL, Johnsson has fit in everywhere he’s played.

Right now, Johnsson is fourth in league scoring with 23 goals and 49 points in 49 games. It only took him two AHL seasons to reach this point, so seeing him as an NHLer next year seems inevitable. He’s got an incredible shot and great foot speed to boot. Unless the Toronto Maple Leafs were to use him as a trade chip for a bigger piece, he will be replacing James van Riemsdyk next season.

Next: Best Leafs Trades of the Last 5-10 Years

As always, thanks for reading.

All statistics and information obtained from eliteprospects.com and hockeydb.com