The Toronto Maple Leafs have left-wing roster spots up for grabs
The Toronto Maple Leafs went from looking extremely thin at left wing to having a glut of options in a matter of days. However, the glut of options isn't exactly what fans hoped it would be.
The signings of Nick Robertson and Max Pacioretty add two more pieces to create a bit more drama at training camp. However, the roster spots at left wing remain very much up for grabs.
On the whole, the only left winger whom we could assume has a lock on a roster spot is Matthew Knies. Where he ultimately plays depends on Craig Berube and his staff’s appreciation of Knies’ best spot.
Beyond Knies, Bobby McMann, Robertson, and Pacioretty are not locked in for any roster spot. Now, we could make the case for McMann as having a beat on one spot for himself. So, that leaves us with two open left-wing spots.
That leaves two spots open for competition. But is there anyone else who could compete for those open spots?
Earlier this past summer, plenty of discussion went into the possibility of Easton Cowan getting a real shot to make the team. While I think that’s still true, Pacioretty’s signing tells me the club isn’t entirely certain that Cowan is ready to jump into a full-time NHL role. Then again, Cowan can play centre and right-wing, so he's not necessaryily only competing for for a left-wing spot, though that his is most obvious route to the NHL.
But here’s where I feel the club is going off track. Instead of focusing on bringing up younger players, bringing on older players on PTOs doesn’t actually help move the team forward. It’s only a band-aid solution for a team that’s supposed to be a contender.
Pacioretty is a symptom of a deeper problem for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Perhaps we’ve all read much more into the Pacioretty signing than there really is. It could be that the Toronto Maple Leafs simply want to see what, if anything, Pacioretty has left to offer. After all, if she washes out, there’s no harm, no foul.
But the fact of the matter is that Pacioretty’s PTO is a symptom of a deeper issue. The Leafs don’t have a robust prospect pipeline. Years of being a competitive team have left the Leafs prospect pool dry.
Now, we do have to give the club credit for finding guys like Knies, Cowan, and Minten in the late first round or second round. But the fact of the matter is that there isn’t much beyond these players. As such, the Maple Leafs don’t have a steady flow of NHL-caliber players, hence the need for players like Pacioretty.
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Overall, it seems unlikely Pacioretty will make the team. Nevertheless, Pacioretty could be on the opening night roster unless a serviceable bottom-six winger hits the waiver wire. So, stay tuned because there could be plenty of moves coming your way before puck drop on opening night.