The Toronto Maple Leafs have decisions to make for next year. There are many players that are up for contract renewals, potentially leaving plenty of holes in the lineup.
Although the estimated nearly $19 million in capspace (Capfriendly.com) will help, with some of the reported players that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in when free agency comes around, it can quickly diminish that space.
This could still leave some jobs on the roster up for grabs and the Leafs will need contributions from young entry-level players.
In fact, it cannot be overstated how important it is to have contributing players on cheap contracts. The Leafs should already have Liljegren, Holmberg, Robertson and McMann in the lineup next year on cheap contracts, but if they can add one or two of the following players, it opens up a whole new level of flexibility.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have spent years thinking they were on the verge of a Stanley Cup and augmenting their roster with outside help, leaving very little chance of an unheralded rookie making an impact.
As the team's management works to open up another window, they would be well served to audition the following players to see what they can do to help.
Besides that, there are many prospects that seem poised to play NHL games next year. Between forcing their way onto the team and with injuries that always occur, there are opportunities available. So, it makes sense to look at some especially at forward who could push their way through and make the jump to the NHL.
All Stats via: Eliteprospects.com