Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 Surprising Options at 2nd Line Left Wing

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 5: Nick Robertson #89 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Vancouver Canucks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 5, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Canucks defeated the Maple Leafs 6-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 5: Nick Robertson #89 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Vancouver Canucks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 5, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Canucks defeated the Maple Leafs 6-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
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CALGARY, AB – MAY 26: Calle Jarnkrok #91 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Edmonton Oilers  (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB – MAY 26: Calle Jarnkrok #91 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Edmonton Oilers  (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

No. 3: Calle Jarnkrok

Jarnkrok is a relatively unknown player, but he’ll be a fan-favorite by the end of the 2022-23 season.

For the past decade, Jarnkrok has been a third-line player, who’s been consistent as anyone in that role. l Typically scoring around 15 goals per season, he’s a gritty player, who can contribute in the bottom-six, top-six and on the penalty kill.

Throughout his career, he hasn’t normally played on the second-line, but the opportunity may strike in Toronto, although that seems unlikely.

He’s continued to contribute offensively, despite never playing with world-class offensive superstars, so his numbers could rise if paired beside Tavares and Nylander. As a high-IQ winger, that hockey intelligence could do wonder’s for him as he looks to breakout this year.

I’d be a little surprised if Jarnkrok ends up on the second-line, but he’ll definitely be given a strong look at training camp, as the competition will be high to get more minutes this year.

The most likely role for Jarnkrok is on a defensively elite line with David Kampf and Pierre Engvall.