Although Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving states that Training Camp is quickly approaching, the team is “not set yet.”Given that Mitch Marner participated in Auston Matthews’ transition to captain, it is evident that he will play for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024–25. If you were hoping he would be traded, you should rec onsider. Without giving up their best player, this squad can still make significant progress.
The Leafs actually just need to make two or three changes to be a Stanley Cup contender. They still haven’t replaced Tyler Bertuzzi, which is a problem. They have to find out what is going on with Mitch Marner and find a solution to the Nick Robertson dilemma. They can’t just start the season with him as a distracting prospective UFA, even though he isn’t going anywhere, can they? Pontus Holmberg isn’t going to cut it, and the team doesn’t really have any other options save turning Marner into a center, so they also need a third-line center. Although it is a possibility, the Leafs have not indicated that they are even thinking about making that move.
To end the summer, the Leafs should ideally acquire Marner and make a trade for a center who can play behind Matthews and Tavares. If not actual space, they do have some flexibility in the wage ceiling, which is how they could afford it. Ryan Reaves, David Kampf, Connor Timmins, and Calle Jarnkrok continue to receive almost $7 million from the Leafs. This money could be better used, especially if guys like Steeves, Cowan, and Minten end up on the team. None of these players are required. Having said that, Treliving’s statement from his appearance on TSN’s Overdrive, which is below, clearly indicates that he’s still eager to close a deal and that a PTO would be a nice place to start. Even while it’s obvious that the Leafs aren’t finished, no significant transaction is about to happen. When the deadline approaches, the Leafs may decide to promote from within before looking for assistance. If so, all they would require right now is a PTO. In light of that,
#1: Van Reimsdyk, James
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a history over the last ten years of adding veterans to their roster who are looking to win a Stanley Cup at a low cost. The team has several players that had an impact in the locker room, including Mark Giordano, Joe Thornton, and Jason Spezza. With “JVR,” the same thing may occur. Although JVR’s play has declined recently, he might still be a valuable addition to the team whether partnered with Tavares and Marner on the second line or as a seasoned player in front of the net alongside Nick Robertson and Fraser Minten on the third line. Additionally, even though he no longer scores 30 goals,
Second place: Tyson Barrie
Undoubtedly, Barrie’s performance declined when he signed with the Leafs, but as a backup defensemen, he might still be worth a try. The Leafs blue-line is still lacking in offensive production, but it is far better now than it was many years ago. The Leafs demonstrated last year how crucial puck movement is when, despite adding a lot of defensive players at the trade deadline, they were unable to score more than two goals in all but one of their playoff games against the Bruins. Tyson Barrie is a perfect addition for the Leafs if they want to strengthen a clear weakness. Currently, he would most likely be the no on this blue line.
Third: Matt Martin
Ryan Reaves was signed by Brad Treliving, who obviously values toughness and wants some of it on his hockey team. But he never should have signed him for three years, and he can make up for it by starting Martin in place of Reaves. Reaves earns $1.35 million, while Martin is likely available for $775,000. Because he understands his role, Martin has been an excellent addition to the New York Islanders for the last ten years. He’s proven to be a reliable fourth-line player who can contribute to energy levels and engage in combat when needed. Your fourth-line guys only need to be cheap and nice; you don’t need much more from them. Every night for eight minutes,
