Toronto Maple Leafs Bottom Six: Craig Berube Edition

Fourth Line

Berube will likely use the Leafs fourth line more often than former head coach Sheldon Keefe did. It will be the fourth line's job to create energy. Controlling the puck in the offensive zone will be the key to their success. I think Berube can get the most out of Ryan Reaves, Connor Dewar, and David Kampf.

David Kampf

David Kampf registered eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 78 games last season. His previous two seasons with the Leafs were 27 points in 82 games (2022-23) and 26 points in 82 games (2021-22). Kampf needs to be a leader on the Leafs penalty kill, but he also needs to try and get back to being a 25+ point producer. My prediction for Kampf is eight goals and 26 points this season.

Ryan Reaves

Ryan Reaves registered four goals and two assists for six points in 49 games in his first season with the Leafs. He's not expected to be a big point producer, and that's not why Leafs general manager Brad Treliving signed him. Reaves is expected to hit, fight, and protect the puck along the boards. For this season, I predict that Reaves will register five goals and 13 points.

Connor Dewar

Connor Dewar recently re-signed with the Leafs for one year at $1.18 million. He will likely start the season on the fourth line, but I think he'll move up to the third line from time to time. Last season, he registered 11 goals and eight assists for 19 points in 74 games split between the Minnesota Wild and the Leafs.

For the Leafs, he recorded one goal and four assists for five points in 17 games. Dewar is not a big guy (5'10, 183 Lbs.) but he plays hard, and I think he'll thrive under Craig Berube. I predict that Dewar will register 12 goals and 22 points this season.