The Maple Leafs are a bit thin on depth forwards and could squeeze some additions between now and camp.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs named Auston Matthews their new captain a couple of weeks ago, GM Brad Treliving went on TSN 1050 radio and made it a point to say his team wasn't necessarily finished tweaking its roster between now and training camp.
Now comes word that the Leafs could be looking to add a specific position.
In his latest '32 Thoughts' blog, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Leafs are one of a few teams looking to bolster their lineup before training camp opens next month.
"I think there are things percolating out there, including Toronto considering left-wing options," Friedman wrote.
Toronto's current left-wing options
According to Puckpedia.com the Maple Leafs have $1.28 million in salary cap space remaining on a roster that consists of 12 forwards. Outside of Matthew Knies, the Leafs don't have many bonafide left-wingers on their current roster. Max Domi, a left-handed shot could be equally useful as a center or as a winger on the opposite side. All of their other left-handed shots typically play at center. Pontus Holmberg played some left-wing down the stretch and could be counted on for that again this season.
Nick Robertson is an obvious left-winger, BUT
The 22-year-old Robertson is a restricted free agent. In June, he reportedly made it clear he had no intention of signing a contract with the Leafs and requested to be traded.
When free agency opened up on July 1, Treliving was asked about Robertson. Not commenting on the specific request, the Leafs GM stressed the opportunity that awaits Robertson with the Leafs if he signed.
Robertson spent much of last season playing on the right side but in previous seasons the Leafs had tried him on the left side of the top two lines. Nothing appears to have changed in Robertson's stance given that he has not signed a contract of any kind as of this writing.
Who is available on the open market?
A player like Max Pacioretty comes to mind. When healthy, the player is an offensive threat and he has twice recovered from a torn Achilles to score four goals and 19 assists with the Washington Capitals last season. He also had one assist in four games The likelihood of the Leafs landing the forward is slim with three teams reportedly already in the mix with offers for the player's services.
It's not clear if the Leafs are one of those teams.
Another possible option could be Stanley Cup-winning forward Nick Cousins. At 30, the player could fit in well on a bottom-six. He's proven he could play a playoff-calibre type of game that the Leafs could benefit from.
