The Toronto Maple Leafs are quietly transitioning into training camp after a busy offseason. John Chayka has done well to partially overhaul the team.
But just because he’s added plenty of new names to the roster, it doesn’t mean he should stop now.
In fact, the Maple Leafs need to focus on landing as much depth as possible.
While Toronto is currently $2.7 million over the cap, the organization shouldn’t see that as a roadblock. The easiest way to continue adding pieces is via Professional Tryout contracts (PTO).
Bringing in depth pieces via PTOs wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world. Yes, the Leafs might be better off promoting players from the Marlies to the NHL. But if you’re taking out a player like Bo Groulx, who’s a key member of the Marlies, to sit him in the press box as the 13th forward, that’s just nuts.
It’s better to bring in a depth defenseman like Carson Soucy. The 32-year-old split time between both New York teams last season. He didn’t have a particularly mind-shocking campaign. But it was good enough to provide cover down the stretch.
A blueliner like Soucy could easily rotate in and out of the lineup with someone like Troy Stecher. Best of all, Soucy won’t cost an arm and a leg. He’s the sort of depth piece that the Maple Leafs could easily fit under the cap when training camp ends.
Maple Leafs could target a couple of reunions
As forwards are concerned, a couple of reunions could make sense. Adding a veteran like James van Riemsdyk wouldn’t be a bad bet. Yes, JVR’s best days are behind him. But the Leafs won’t need him to be a 30-goal scorer at this point in his career.
If JVR can deliver 10 to 15 goals while playing bottom-six minutes, he would be well worth a cheap, incentive-laden contract.
Another interesting reunion could be Michael Bunting. The former Leaf isn’t quite as close to the end as JVR is. But the 31-year-old hasn’t really drawn the attention that he hoped he would.
Given that September is here, Bunting would do well to sign a one-year show-me deal. If it works out, it would afford him one more multi-year deal before the end of his playing days.
If the price is right, the Leafs can afford to use Bunting as a wild card and sit him in the press box if it comes to that. If he’s willing to take a show-me deal, the Maple Leafs could have a great depth option at a reasonable price.
Ultimately, I wouldn’t advocate that the Maple Leafs target veterans on PTOs, hoping they can take up regular lineup spots. If the plan is to target such players purely as depth, insurance pieces, it might not be the craziest idea John Chayka could come up with.
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