The Toronto Maple Leafs could look a lot different this season.
During every camp, there’s always a player who surprises everyone. Whether it’s a rookie, a veteran or someone who was signed to a PTO, someone shocks the roster and competes for a roster spot.
This season should be no different.
Toronto’s roster has a number of similar components but a lot are different. Their defensive pairings will be almost identical to last season, with the exception of Zach Bogosian leaving for Tampa Bay. Whereas, the Leafs top four forwards remain untouched.
However, there will be a fight for a few bottom-six forward positions, as well as the sixth and seventh defenseman spot.
It’s possible that those spots will be given to players many Leafs fans already know, but it’s also likely that an unfamiliar face will be rewarded. Although training camp is still roughly two months away and the team could still have a few moves up their sleeves, Toronto’s roster seems locked in.
They may sign another defenseman or make a trade, but it feels like any move they make will happen after the regular season starts, as this team tries to figure out where they should upgrade after playing a few games.
Although they’ve lost Zach Hyman and Freddie Andersen, you could argue that this roster is more balanced.
Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner should be even better than they were last year, so with the continuation and development of their game, Toronto should be a playoff team once again, and then we shall see what happens when they get there.
Regardless, here are four players who could surprisingly crack the opening night lineup.