Lou Lamoriello indicated last month that the Toronto Maple Leafs roster would be significantly different from that which suited up at the end of the regular season.
“If we had to put a percentage, I’d probably say 50%” the Leafs GM said to
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman regarding the extent of roster changeover before next season. “I think we know what are template is, I think we know what are needs are. Getting them filled is another thing.”
When the club assembles for training camp this September, it is expected to that the roster transition will include promoting players currently playing with the AHL Toronto Marlies or in Europe, a top prospect from the upcoming 2016 NHL Draft and acquisitions via trade and free agency, but what is unknown is who on the current roster will make up the 50 percent that Lamoriello spoke of.
Assuming that many or all of the unrestricted free agents that remained at the end of the season (P-A Parenteau, Brad Boyes and Michael Grabner) are not re-signed and defenseman Stephane Robidas continues to be in witness protection, that would mean that anywhere from five to seven players will either be playing elsewhere or will start the season in the American Hockey League.
Based on how they were used throughout the season by head coach Mike Babcock or how attractive they would be on the trade market, here are five players that could be absent from the Leafs opening night lineup.
Tyler Bozak – The long-term extension given to Nazem Kadri, the likely promotion of William Nylander and the possibility of drafting Auston Matthews or signing Steven Stamkos likely makes the 30-year-old center expendable this summer. Bozak performed well under Babcock(12 goals, 23 assists in 57 games) before suffering a concussion in February. With the free agent class thin at center and a cap friendly $4.2 Million salary for the next two seasons, the Leafs could swap Bozak to address another of need or to acquire more future assets.
Peter Holland - The 25-year-old Toronto native had success on the man-advantage with 11 power-play points (3rd on the club), but was shifted from center to wing during the season and missed the last 12 games of the season with an undisclosed injury. Holland is a restricted free agent and while it is possible that he could be qualified and signed to a short-term deal, the organization’s tendency to move on from players from the previous regime lends itself to the probability that he will be traded.
Byron Froese – The 25-year-old former Hawks draft choice was called up in October and surprisingly remained on the Leafs roster for the entire season playing a fourth line center and a penalty-killing role. Singled out for his high-energy play by Babcock, Froese could battle for a spot on the roster at training camp, but with the potential influx of Josh Leivo, Nikita Soshnikov, Zach Hyman and Brendan Leipsic, Froese could find himself being the odd man out and back on the Marlies next season.
Frankie Corrado – It took Corrado over half the season to get into the lineup on a consistent basis after being claimed off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks. In 39 games, the 23-year-old defenseman was -12 and had just one goal, five assists. With Scott Harrington returning from injury, the potential addition of KHLer Nikita Zaitsev, the promotion of Marlies Rinat Valiev, Viktor Loov and/or Stuart Percy and the potential of acquiring a defenseman via trade, Corrado could fall victim to the number’s game.
Jonathan Bernier – The lack of confidence in Bernier from Babcock was painfully apparent and not without justification, based on his sub .900 save percentage until the last weeks of the season. James Reimer was the preferred starter after Bernier’s early struggles until his departure and when his play improved after the deadline, the Leafs coach did not appear impressed.
Acquiring a starting goaltender is likely at the top or near the top of Lamoriello’s off-season shopping list and with one year left before becoming an unrestricted free agent, Bernier could be moved to a team willing to give him a fresh start or could be included in the deal for Toronto’s next starting goalie.
*******
Leafs 2015 top pick Mitch Marner is headed to the OHL Championship, as the London Knights completed a four game sweep of the Erie Otters with a 5-1 victory at Budweiser Gardens on Wednesday night. Marner scored a goal and an assist in the clinching game, as did Toronto prospect JJ Piccinich and the Knights will take on the Niagara Ice Dogs, who swept the Barrie Colts on Wednesday.
Marner leads the CHL in playoff scoring, with 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 14 games and outscored ’15 third overall pick Dylan Strome 12 to 3.
Note : Continue to check back to my column on Hockeybuzz throughout the day for the latest Leafs updates or on Twitter
*******If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact” button at the top of the page.*******
KINDLE USERS: Please sign up for Maple Leafs Buzz, which includes a free-of-charge 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month afterwards. For more information
click here.