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The season finale against the Montreal Canadiens at Air Canada Center on Saturday has little consequence for the Toronto Maple Leafs other than an opportunity to play spoiler against their historical rival, who hold a two-point lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic and can clinch the division with a point or if the Lightning lose to Boston.
What the 82nd game does mark is the end of a disastrous year and the beginning of an offseason of transition. Changes in management, coaching and the scouting personnel all could take place during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but what will be not be apparent for at least another two months is how many players from the group that finished 27th will remain members of the Leafs when they start training camp in mid-September.
The #Leafs final morning skate of the season. Question is how many of these players will be back? pic.twitter.com/iEZkYOR0Db
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) April 11, 2015“Obviously there are lots of rumors and you know how feel about that in Toronto, but I think that things can change quick.… said Nazem Kadri, who does not expect there to be a wholesale teardown of the roster. “It’s more of retool than a rebuild.…
The 24-year-old center will be a restricted free agent and is expected to be part of Toronto’s future in a post-teardown world, but if you look at the current Leafs roster, the general consensus that many of Kadri’s teammates will be playing elsewhere seems more likely.
Here is the current Leafs Roster:
Forwards
Phil Kessel Joffrey Lupul James van Riemsdyk Tyler Bozak Leo Komarov Nazem Kadri (RFA) David Booth (UFA) Casey Bailey Colton Orr (UFA) Peter Holland Richard Panik (RFA) Joakim Lindstrom (UFA) Zach Sill (UFA) Brandon Kozun (RFA) Trevor Smith (UFA)
Toronto will shop Kessel, Lupul and Bozak this summer, but moving players from the core group may depend on the Leafs willingness to take back a high-salaried contract in the deal. Kadri’s status with the club depends on how reasonable his salary demands will be coming off an inconsistent season.
Of the four unrestricted free agents, Sill has the best chance to return as a fourth-line energy forward, whereas spots occupied by veterans Booth, Orr and Lindstrom could be filled by farmhands Sam Carrick, Josh Leivo and Matt Frattin. Kozun and Panik will likely receive qualifying offers and get signed to short term deals, while Bailey could start in the season in the AHL. Defense
Dion Phaneuf Jake Gardiner Stephane Robidas Eric Brewer (UFA) Roman Polak Morgan Rielly Andrew MacWilliam (RFA) Tim Erixon (RFA)
Phaneuf is likely going to be part of the Leafs roster purge this summer, but that again will depend on what the club gets offered in return. Gardiner and Rielly appear to be the cornerstone pieces of the future blueline, with Robidas and Polak there to provide veteran support. Brewer has played adequately since being acquired from Anaheim in March, but re-signing him to even a short-term deal does not add up if Toronto is going to give youngsters Stuart Percy, Petter Granberg, Erixon, MacWilliam and TJ Brennan a chance at seeing significant NHL ice time.
Goalies
Jonathan Bernier (RFA) James Reimer The Leafs goaltending situation is wide open to every option. The club could stay with the status quo and keep both veterans, but Bernier must be extended this summer and Reimer is a UFA after next season. A Bernier trade would be possible if Toronto believes they can get good value back for the 27-year-old and having Reimer as the #1 goalie might improve the chances of the club getting another top five pick. Bernier will get the start on Saturday and likely Hart Trophy nominee Carey Price will go for Montreal.
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