No. 4: Antoine Roussel
Speaking of players who Leafs fans could fall in-love with, Roussel may be that player as well.
The 32-year-old has never been a dominant offensive player, but he’s never been shy of the tough-stuff. Whether it’s laying his body or getting into a fight, Roussel would add some serious grit to this roster.
Whether or not you think that type of play is important in today’s NHL, when the playoffs start, it is. Here’s what Roussel said in an article with Azcentral.com in November, 2021 surrounding his game that should make Toronto Maple Leafs fans happy:
"“It fits my game well to play with two guys that have patience and play well with the puck,” said Roussel (via: Jose Romero, Azcentral.com)"
Roussel doesn’t need the puck and likes to play with those who are patient (aka: William Nylander and Mitch Marner). Paired in the top-six, Roussel can be a guy who flies around hitting everyone in sight, but uses that as an advantage to score a greasy goal off his shin-pads.
All of these players may not be household names, but in one way or another, they could help the Leafs as they get ready for the playoffs.