The Toronto Maple Leafs Look about as arranged as a team can go to the opening night. Training camp has clarified many things and most pieces are now in place. But two questions are stuck – both important, both interesting – while the Maple Leafs prepares for the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday.
Question #1: Three players, one place open
In the meantime it seems that 17 of the 18 skater spots have been set. The combinations can still shift a bit, but the grid image is clear. With Scott Laughton Sidelined, the forward group almost writes itself: Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, Matthew Breies, Max Domi, Matias Maccelli, Bobby McMann, Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua, Steven Lorentz and David.
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Kampf remains, despite cleaning up exemptions, their most logical choice for the fourth line center until Laughton returns. The defenses have been locked up since last spring: Chris Tanev-Jake McCabe, Morgan Rielly-Brandon Carlo and Oliver Ekman-Larsson-Simon Benoit.
That leaves open one forward position – and three players fighting for it: Easton Cowan, Nicholas Robertson and Calle Järnkrok.
Cowan: The Maple Leafs Kid does not leave that
Head coach Craig Berube made it clear after Saturday’s game that Cowan made an impression on him. When asked whether the 19-year-old was ready for the NHL, Berube did not cover himself: “Yes, I think he’s. We have decisions to make decisions, but I think he has shown us enough … He has an engine on him. He impresses me with his motorcycle. It is constant work and he has a high IQ. I really liked him.”
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That is a strong praise from a coach who does not easily hand it over. Berube added that Cowan sometimes tries to do too much – the kind of growth pain that every young player has to work on – but his message was unmistakable: Cowan belongs in this conversation.
Robertson: The player of Maple Leafs who praised
When Berube was asked about Robertson, the tone changed. “He really flew tonight and he was physical. He was aggressive, shot the puck and scored. He did a lot of good things. He was really good tonight.”
No reserved, no corrections – only praise. Robertson has put together a complete, consistent camp, more trust, more strength on the Puck and better decision -making shown than we have seen in previous seasons. If only the call was made for the performance of the preseason, Robertson may have the lead.
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But the decision is never that simple. Cowan does not require distance statements; Everyone does that. That alone could love the schedule to start the season, no matter how well he played. The “We don’t want to lose anyone for nothing” is used every October.
Järnkrok: The Maple Leafs veteran who trusts is overlooked
Then there is Calle Järnkrok – the forgotten man. He has been watching on the outside since the camp started, and with general director Brad Treliving who adds larger, heavier forward in the summer, the place of Järnkrok looks uncertain.
Berube was not asked about him Postgame, but the ice age tells a story. Järnkrok logged 22:53 – more than any other attacker. This suggests trust in tight, defensive situations. He also played on the Penalty Kill for more than seven minutes, compared to the five of Robertson. Cowan did not see the ice short-handed at all, but led all three in five-five minutes.
The collection meals? Berube loves the reliability of Järnkrok, the momentum of Robertson and the energy of Cowan. It is not a bad problem to have – three capable players, one open lock. The question remains: who will receive the call on Wednesday evening? The experienced hand (Järnkrok), The Breakout Hopeful (Robertson) or The Rising Star (Cowan)?
Stay informed.
Question #2: Who supports Stolarz?
The target winding situation looks more stable than expected, although it is not without intrigues. Anthony Stolarz is the clear starter with Joseph Woll Still Away. The debate is about who supports him – Dennis Hildreby or James Reimer.
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Hildreby has had an excellent camp. He is calm, technically healthy and drew a new three -year -old deal that secures his place in the organization. He is exempt from distance, making it easy to move is but he has also earned it.
Reimer, meanwhile, came in on a professional try -out (PTO) To give the club a safety net. He has been a professional about it, guides the younger goalkeepers and stay ready. But without a contract he cannot play a NHL game. The Maple Leafs could sign him for the opening evening, but apart from an injury, there is a good chance that Hildreby will be the backup of Stolarz against Montreal.
If nothing changes, expect Reimer to stay in the fold in a deal of the American Hockey League (AHL) – the type of veteran insurance that every smart team needs.
What is the next step for the Maple Leafs?
While the Maple Leafs will enter the season, these final choices will not only fill grid spots – they will shape the tone of the Berube era. The young, hungry players push hard. The veterans fight to keep their land. And the coach has made it clear: he appreciates energy, intelligence and physical dedication.
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The pieces are almost in place. There are two more questions about – and we get our answers on Wednesday evening.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]
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