Toronto Maple Leafs Top Training Camp Position Battles 2023-24

Oct 8, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe (left) looks up at the scoreboard as assistant coaches Manny Malhotra (center) and Dean Chynoweth look on during a break in play against the Detroit Red Wings at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe (left) looks up at the scoreboard as assistant coaches Manny Malhotra (center) and Dean Chynoweth look on during a break in play against the Detroit Red Wings at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 13: Nick Robertson #89 of the Toronto Maple Leafs  (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Third-Line Winger

Keefe has the flexibility to move Domi up as the second-line right winger, which would move Knies down to the third-line. But, NHL games (including the goaltender) are won down the middle, so Domi should be the third-line center and Järnkrok should be on one of his flanks.

Kämpf could also center the third-line between Domi and Järnkrok.

If Keefe makes that move, then his fourth-line will be extremely weak. We have all seen what a weak fourth-line can mean come playoff time.

Also, when Kämpf is on the ice, advanced stats show that neither team really scores much, and the Leafs need secondary production from this troika.

So, who is left to play with Domi and Järnkrok? Sam Lafferty could be a possibility. He has speed and doesn’t mind getting physical.

On the other hand, Nicholas Robertson, who could also push for playing time here if he has a good camp.

There is  a possibility that Nick Robertson wins a job anywhere in the lineup. The Leafs need players who can provide value on cheap deals, and Robertson is one of their best shots at getting that.

The dark horse here is Bobby McMann. He can play either wing, like Järnkrok, and given expanded responsibilities, can score much-needed greasy goals around the net.