Persevering with from yesterday’s observe evaluation, I’ll look at some remaining unanswered questions surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs depth chart and wage cap administration. The fourth line, the protection, goaltending, and the wage cap are all areas of concern simply days away from the 2024-25 marketing campaign.
Query One: What’s the Cope with Fourth Line?
The Maple Leafs’ fourth line, that includes Steven Lorentz, David Kämpf, and Ryan Reaves, may very well be the place the group makes its most important wage cap choices. With youthful, cheaper gamers vying for spots, the group should weigh efficiency in opposition to monetary constraints. Is Lorentz’s place unsure as soon as Järnkrok returns? Might Kämpf lose his position if Holmberg continues to impress?
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Even Reaves’ position, although seemingly safe, may very well be impacted. Finally, the fourth line is perhaps the place the group makes vital strikes to remain cap-compliant whereas figuring out the roster’s ultimate make-up.
Query Two: Is Liljegren on the Outdoors Trying In?
Timothy Liljegren’s scenario with the Maple Leafs is turning into more and more unsure. Regardless of his important $3 million cap hit, Liljegren is listed behind Conor Timmins, who has outperformed him when wholesome. With Morgan Rielly and Chris Tanev main the protection and the Oliver Ekman-Larsson–Jake McCabe pairing displaying enchancment, Liljegren is perhaps thought-about expendable.
If he continues to slip down the depth chart, the group might contemplate shifting Liljegren. His motion might clear up salary-cap area instantly. And that’s an enormous group want. Whereas shocking, Liljegren’s future with the Maple Leafs may very well be on the fence. It doesn’t appear logical, however might a possible commerce be on the horizon?
Query Three: Wage Cap and Accidents: LTIR Options
With Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar probably beginning the season on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), the Maple Leafs would possibly get some respiration room of their wage cap. Nevertheless, they are going to nonetheless have to clear extra area, possible by waiving a participant or making a commerce. Who will that be?
The early candidates appear to be Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf, however are others probably prime for being moved?
Query 4: Goaltending Selections Loom
The most important query surrounding the Maple Leafs’ roster is whether or not the group will carry three goalies, as they did final season with Martin Jones. Matt Murray is a wild card. Whereas he comes with a low cap hit, his well being stays a priority. If he can return to his pre-injury type, there’s a case for protecting him, nevertheless it’s dangerous.
With Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz possible locked in as the highest two netminders, Murray may very well be positioned on waivers, although he’d virtually actually be claimed by one other group. Whether or not the Maple Leafs will take that likelihood or carry a 3rd goalie stays essential because the season approaches.
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