Adding Depth to the Roster
It is apparent with all the acquisitions and re-signings that the Leafs have been trying to do two things most of all this offseason. They have loaded up on players and looked for cheap options. This has led to a series of signings.
Kalle Kossila, C
Dubas didn’t even waste much time. He hammered out many of the new contracts on the first day of free agency, July 1. One of those players is a center, Kalle Kossila. Kossila is a prospect who in baseball is often called a “Four-A Player”. This is a term for players who are too good for the minors, but can’t figure things out in the major leagues.
Kossila comes to Toronto from the Anaheim Ducks franchise. He has picked up points in 83-percent of his games in the AHL, but only 16-percent of his NHL appearances. It’s not a fair comparison since his average time-on-ice is far greater in the American League. The 26-year-old will start the season with the Marlies and try and work his way up to the Leafs.
Tyler Gaudet, C
Kossila will be competing with Tyler Gaudet for a spot in the middle of one of the Marlies top lines. Gaudet is just ten days older than Kossila and in a very similar situation. He too has played a handful of games in the NHL, but lacked in production once there.
Gaudet played with the Milwaukee Admirals, the affiliate of the Nashville Predators, last season. In 50 games he had eight goals and 17 assists. He also spent 34 minutes in the penalty box.
Kevin Gravel, D
The Leafs got a player in Kevin Gravel who could potentially be at the end of their bench. He will go to camp pushing to make the defence’s bottom pairing. There will be several available spots on the Maple Leafs, which makes it possible that the 27-year-old can make the team. His one-way contract helps make that more likely.
Gravel is a defensive defenceman. He appeared in 106 games in the NHL, including the 36 he played last season with the Edmonton Oilers. He played an additional five games for the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL last year.
Pontus Aberg, RW
Pontus Aberg is a Swedish born player with a right-winger. He can fly down the ice and use his hockey sense to help set up his teammates. Drafted in the second round by the Nashville Predators at 37th overall, Aberg will be joining his fifth NHL franchise.
Aberg would benefit from a prolonged negotiation with Marner. Should it drag on into the season, it could allow Aberg the opportunity to pick up some of those available minutes. He will likely find himself with the Marlies for the season.
Garrett Wilson, RW
Another new right-winger to the organization is Garrett Wilson. This is depth signing of a player who can intimidate opponents with his physical play. He has also been a player willing to drop his gloves in the AHL, though not so much in the National League. He has been involved in just four fights in 84 NHL games.
Wilson was a talented scorer when he played Major Junior for the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL. His ability to light the lamp, unfortunately, didn’t translate when he made the jump to the NHL. In 50 games with the Penguins last season, he had two goals and six helpers.
Overall grade: C-