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Toronto Maple Leafs Training Camp: Positional Battles to Watch

By Jeremy Ridgewell

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Joshua Ho-Sang #26 of the New York Islanders skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on September 24, 2019 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Islanders 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Joshua Ho-Sang #26 of the New York Islanders skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on September 24, 2019 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Islanders 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
SUNRISE, FL – APRIL 19: Nikita Gusev #97 of the Florida Panthers  . (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

As the Toronto Maple Leafs start their 2021 training camp, they have many forwards fighting for roster spots. This group includes Joshua Ho-Sang and Nikita Gusev, who are at camp on Professional Tryout (PTO) contracts.

These two players are not only trying to earn a spot on the roster, but they’re also trying to earn a contract. Both Ho-Sang and Gusev will need to out preform a handful of players if they are to succeed.

It will not be an easy task and that is a good thing. They are part of a long list of question marks the  Leafs have entering into training camp. Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe and his staff will very busy.

Some other noticeable newcomers trying to make the main roster are Ondrej Kase and Kurtis Gabriel. Both signed as unrestricted free agents in the off-season.  Here is a look at where Ho-Sang, Gusev, and the others trying to earn a spot.

Toronto Maple Leafs Training Camp Battles – RW

Ondrej Kase

Kase would like to forget about his time with the Boston Bruins and begin with a clean slate in Toronto. While he was with the Bruins for parts of two seasons, Kase only played in nine games due to injuries. (all Stats: Hockey-Reference.com)

Toronto is hoping that Kase can stay healthy and get back to the level of playing that he displayed with the Anaheim Ducks. If he has a good training camp and can stay healthy, Kase  has a lot of talent, so a breakout season is not impossible, if unlikely.

Joshua Ho-Sang

Ho-Sang played 53 games with the New York Islanders over three seasons between 2016 – 2019. After having back-to-back seasons with more than 80 points in the OHL, Ho-Sang just hasn’t been able to find his game at the NHL level.

Since his 2018-19 season, Ho-Sang has played in both the AHL and SHL, but has only managed to play a total of 31 games. That lack of playing time could hurt him as he battles against players who are more up to speed.  He’s a long shot with a high ceiling and there’s no risk in giving him a shot.

Kurtis Gabriel

Gabriel will be looking to try and become Toronto’s fourth line right winger or at the very least, the team’s extra forward. He’s big (6’4 – 200 Lbs.), tough, and not afraid to drop the gloves.

With Gabriel in the lineup, the Toronto Maple Leafs won’t have to rely on Wayne Simmonds doing all the fighting. I do not see Gabriel being a regular in the lineup, but if he is the team’s extra forward, he’ll get playing time against some of the NHL’s tougher teams.

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