No. 2: Cade Webber
The Leafs bolstered their defensive depth this offseason by signing Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but it could be a rookie who shocks everyone and makes the roster.
You can never have too many good defenseman on a roster, and tradiing for Webber could be one of the sneakier moves the Leafs made this offseason. The former fourth round pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft didn't want to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, so the Leafs jumped in and traded for his rights.
It was a nothing move at the time, but then when you look into Webber's size, you realize why it could have been such a steal. At 6-foot-7, 210 pounds, Webber is a beast and the Leafs could really benefit from a player like this.
The team did get bigger this offseason, but Webber's size could be enough to gain him a roster spot, especially since it doesn't look like Jani Hakanpaa will end up signing with the team.
Hakanpaa was also a 6-foot-7 defenseman, who would have served as their 6th/7th defenseman, so maybe Webber can fill that role instead?
Webber is most likely to start the year with the Toronto Marlies but don't be shocked if he's one of the last cuts and is on the bubble to make the roster.
In my opinion, he's one injury away from being a mainstay on the team and should seriously be considered for opening night.