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Veteran Toronto Maple Leafs Players in Danger of Losing Their Roster Spots

Young prospects like Easton Cowan and Fraser Minter want to crack the Leafs lineup. Some experienced players will be in a fight for their roster spot when training camp begins.

By Jeremy Franks

Apr 11, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kampf (64) celebrates with team mates at the bench after scoring a goal against the New Jersey Devils in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kampf (64) celebrates with team mates at the bench after scoring a goal against the New Jersey Devils in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports / Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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The Toronto Maple Leafs will have a compelling competition for roster spots when training camp begins in September.

The most interesting story will be tracking the progress and watching recent draft picks Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten attempt to crack the lineup.

They were the top story during last year's preseason when they pleasantly surprised the Leafs brass and fans alike with their play.

Cowan earned a long look and played more preseason games than expected before being returned to the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights where he had a dominant season. Minten played four games with the Maple Leafs before also being sent back to junior.

A strong 2023-2024 year of development from both have them looking to take the next step.

Minten can go play in the AHL, but if Easton Cowan doesn't make the Leafs, he will have to go back to junior, which, given how he dominated his previous season there, seems pointless.

Cowan will likely have to choke in order to fail to make the team, while Minten was good enough to make it last season, so both players have at least a decent chance of making it.

But they aren't the only players trying to make the Leafs roster.

Alex Steeves, assuming he re-signs, has apprenticed in the AHL for a long time and is NHL ready for the fourth line.

Topi Niemela is coming off a successful rookie season in the AHL and will challange for minutes on the blue-line.

Then there is the Leafs plethora of wingers: Nylander, Domi, Knies and Marner in the top-six, followed by Nick Robertson Bobby McMann and Calle Jarnkrok make seven wingers for six spots.

And if the Leafs were to add a centre, where does Pontus Holmberg play? As you can see, there will be a lot of competition at Leafs camp. So who is in danger of losing their roster spot?

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