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3 Toronto Maple Leafs Fighting to Keep Their Job Next Year

By Stephen Nixon

Mar 13, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (8) is greeted by forwards Mitch Marner (16) and Alexander Kerfoot (15) and defenseman Justin Holl (3) after scoring a shorthanded goal in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (8) is greeted by forwards Mitch Marner (16) and Alexander Kerfoot (15) and defenseman Justin Holl (3) after scoring a shorthanded goal in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to look a little different next year with a few individuals currently fighting to keep their jobs.

It’s no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs roster is going to turnover next year. Over the past few seasons, that’s pretty normal for the franchise, as the core has stayed put with the bottom-six and goaltenders changing on a frequent basis.

There are currently 10 pending UFA/RFA’s within the team’s 23-man roster, so there will be plenty of decisions to make. Even though the player(s) may have the opportunity to leave at their free will in the offseason, I’d still consider these players fighting to keep their job.

As a free agent, you want to capitalize and make as much money as possible, but usually, winning has a big influence on that decision as well. If you can make the most money and play for a winning franchise, then that’s the best case scenario.

If you compared this roster prior to the NHL Trade Deadline to after, it looks much different. A few pieces went out, but there were more in-coming as names like Ryan O’Reilly, Noel Acciari, Jake McCabe, Sam Lafferty, Luke Schenn and Erik Gustafsson came in, bumping a few players down the line-up.

At this time last year, Wayne Simmonds and Kyle Clifford were two physical pieces the Leafs thought could make a difference in a series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, but this year, the newly acquired players will get that task.

Toronto’s depth has now made it harder for a few fringe players to keep their jobs next year, but here are three members of the Toronto Maple Leafs fighting to keep their job for the 2023-24 season.

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