Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Call-Ups Who Can Make An Impact in the Playoffs

We may be past the NHL Trade Deadline, but the Toronto Maple Leafs could still make a few moves which will impact their playoff roster.

It’s no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs are all-in this year.

For such a decorated franchise, the team hasn’t advanced out of the First Round since 2004, so the executive team has done everything possible to change that this year.

If you look through the Leafs roster at the moment, there aren’t too many flaws. They addressed their depth in the bottom-six and defensively at the NHL Trade Deadline this year and seem sold in-net, now that Matt Murray is healthy.

This is their best overall roster in the Auston Matthews era, so there’s no reason to believe that they can’t finally win a playoff series this year. However, this is the Leafs we’re talking about. Whenever you seem a glimpse of hope with this franchise, they break your heart like your middle-school crush.

I don’t believe in curses, but others believe this team is cursed and are doomed for failure once again. Personally, I think it’s a string of bad-luck and if you continue to put yourself in the dance year-after-year, Cinderella will eventually dance with you.

But, as we look this year’s playoff roster, the team may not be finished with tweaking their squad. Whether it’s through the NCAA or the Toronto Marlies, there may be a player or two who gets called up for the playoff-run.

Here are three players you may see when Game 1 starts in a few weeks.

No. 2: Matthew Knies

Similar to McMann, Knies could be a fantastic fit in the Leafs top-six. Although McMann is also deserving of a call-up, I’d say his chances are slim of actually playing in the playoffs, compared to Knies.

Toronto has had some hyped prospects over the years.

From Nick Robertson, Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren, Knies can now be added to that list. With 40 points in 35 games, the second-year student at the University of Minnesota is having a tremendous season.

The Hobey Baker finalist is one of the NCAA’s best players and could lead his team to a national championship in the next few weeks.

However, based on the NCAA’s schedule, even if his team plays until the very end, he’ll be able to join the Leafs for Game 1 of the playoffs, if both parties think he’s ready.

At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, his size and skill make him such an anticipated prospect. Unlike Robertson, Knies shouldn’t be scared of the physicality at the NHL level and the team shouldn’t be concerned about him getting hurt.

If Knies can perform at an admirable level for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he could be the difference-maker in the team finally advancing in the playoffs for the first time in two decades.

No. 3: Wayne Simmonds

Although he only appeared in two playoff games last year and has only played in 13 games thus far, there’s a small possibility that the Toronto Maple Leafs would come calling on Simmonds in a playoff game.

First and foremost, the team loves him and could add some energy to the line-up.

In two seasons with the club, we’ve seen Simmonds hit everyone in sight and use that energy to the team’s advantage, but he hasn’t been able to channel it for a full series.

For one game, it’s possible that they’d want to see Simmonds out there.

He’ll more than likely be watching from the press box, but if there happens to be an injury, Simmonds is probably the first name they call.

They could look at Pontus Holmberg, Alex Steeves or McMann, but I think the team would trust a veteran in that situation than a few younger players.

By all accounts, Simmonds won’t get into the line-up and may be on his way to retiring after this season, but it would be quite the redemption story if he played.

I know the fanbase would love to see him and the players in the dressing room would be rooting for him, so maybe it happens, but like I said before, it would have to be, due to injury.