Leafs Looming Depth Forward Decision

The Toronto Maple Leafs will play in their third preseason contest against an Atlantic Division foe, taking on the archrival Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Thursday with a sparse roster of NHLers in the lineup, including Stephen Lorentz, David Kampf, Scott Laughton, Bobby McMann, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli. The game will mark the third straight that rookie Easton Cowan will play, and goalie Dennis Hildeby will get the start after a solid outing in two periods against Ottawa. 

While the battle for lineup spots is limited to pretty much a depth forward role between Nick Robertson, David Kampf, Cowan, and Calle Jarnkrok, the real drama will be on or around the final weekend of the preseason, when GM Brad Treliving will cut down to 23 players. The Leafs could carry seven defensemen instead of eight to accommodate an extra forward like Michael Pezzetta, but that would require either Philippe Myers or Henry Thrun to clear waivers.  

Robertson has had his usual impressive offensive performance in September, but that has proven to be meaningless in years past towards earning a chance at a place higher in the lineup under both Sheldon Keefe and Craig Berube. Kampf seems to be a player that does not fit with Berube’s style, which is evidenced by his decreasing role last season, the acquisition of Laughton at the trade deadline, and his lack of playing time in the playoffs.

Cowan seems to be destined for the AHL Marlies, not because of his performance so far, but because his playing a depth role at 20 years old is not as beneficial to his long-term development as it would be to play top line minutes and special teams down at Coca-Cola Coliseum to start the season. Jarnkrok is a crafty veteran who played well in a fourth-line role in the playoffs after missing the regular season. 

Treliving is not in a cap crunch as in past seasons, but would likely prefer to clear space if a player is not serving a vital role. All three of the veterans make in the same neighborhood (Robertson – $1.85 million AAV, Jarnkrok  – $2.1 million, Kampf – $2.4 million). A trade is a possibility, especially if it involves Robertson with years of retention left, but the Leafs would likely expect a significant draft pick for a 24-year-old who has proven he can score in the NHL. The return for Kampf or Jarnkrok would likely be a mid-round pick at best, but Kampf, with this and next year remaining on his deal, might require the Leafs to take a salary back.  

Waivers is especially an option for the two veterans if they do not win a job. Robertson would undoubtedly be claimed, so that will not happen. Treliving might not have an issue with either Kampf or Jarnkrok being claimed, but if they clear, that opens up over $1 million in cap space and gives the Leafs a fallback in case of injury.