Players to watch during the Toronto Maple Leafs preseason
Training camp and the preseason are about to get underway for the Toronto Maple Leafs. With it, comes the battle for spots on the roster.
The last-minute signings of Nick Robertson, Jani Hakanpaa, and Max Pacioretty increased the number of players searching for a place in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup. The competition for spots on the left wing and defense are now more interesting.
The latest acquisitions of general manager Brad Treliving give new coach Craig Berube much to sort through and observe while the Maple Leafs work through training camp and prepare for the season.
The Leafs stars and many other veterans have their spots on the roster secured, so the most interesting stories to follow are of those players further down the depth chart. Here are some key players to watch as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Players to watch during the Toronto Maple Leafs preseason
After last year's impressive training camp with the Maple Leafs, and their strong seasons in junior hockey, the fate of Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten is of great interest. The key for both will be showing they can handle the increased speed and strength of NHL players.
Handling their defensive responsibilities, limiting giveaways, and making good decisions with the puck must be their first priority. The Leafs have enough offense elsewhere in the lineup that offensive contributions can come later.
The Maple Leafs must also weigh what is best for the player and the team. It makes no sense to keep either in the NHL to play limited minutes. They'd be better off playing more and used in all situations with the Toronto Marlies (Minten) or London Knights (Cowan).
The dilemma is that Cowan has nothing left to prove at the junior level and is ineligible to play for the Marlies. He has his sights set on making the team but the road to that happening just became more difficult with the Robertson signing.
Minten or Cowan making the roster would allow the Leafs to move on from a higher-priced veteran such as David Kampf or Ryan Reaves. That's a gamble that team management is unlikely to make unless the prized prospects force their hand. Expect Minten to start the year with the Marlies and Cowan to be sent back to coach Dale Hunter and the Knights.