Maple Leafs Need Help On Wings

The Toronto Maple Leafs have several needs going into the summer, if they hope to return to the postseason after a dramatic downturn last season. GM John Chayka is likely looking to make changes to the roster, and one area that may need attention is the wings. The selection of Gavin McKenna with the first overall selection later this month in Buffalo is likely to result in the youngster playing on the top line with Auston Matthews, but Chayka cannot expect that to solve all of the Leafs issues up front. 

Barring an unforeseen trade to acquire a second-line center, veteran John Tavares will likely be playing up the middle to start next season. Matthew Knies (coming off a 66-point season in which he was playing injured for most of the second half) was thankfully not traded by former GM Brad Treliving and represents the only power forward on the Toronto roster. William Nylander was also dogged by injuries, but should round back into form at a 35-40 goal level. 

The back surgery and uncertain status of Max Domi put Chayka in the position of looking for at least one more top-six forward. The only realistic internal option is Easton Cowan, who seemed up to the task and played on a top offensive line after the Olympic break. 

Where Chayka will need to do most of his work will be in the depth forward area. Both Dakota Joshua and Steven Lorentz are useful role players capable of playing in the bottom six, but the Leafs do not have many certain answers after that. Nick Robertson continues to score in the teens every year in limited ice time, but despite the 24-year-old improving his two-way game and durability, no coach at the NHL has believed he can play higher in the lineup. 

Matias Maccelli was a failed experiment, as someone who could partially fill the playmaking gap after the departure of another MM, and it is uncertain whether the Leafs will give the 25-year-old a qualifying offer after scoring just 39 points. 

Where the chances of making the playoffs will be made or broken may come down to Chayka and staff finding two or three bargain basement forwards who can provide aspects of toughness, speed, sandpaper, and some scoring. Free agents like Buffalo’s Beck Malenstyn, Florida’s AJ Greer or former Leaf Mason Marchment may cost more than expected. Perhaps the return of Michael Bunting is a depth antagonist role that could work, but adding some help up front may have to come in the trade market.