What does Philippe Myers have to do to crack the Maple Leafs’ roster in 2025-26?

Despite a slew of moves up front, the Toronto Maple Leafs are essentially bringing back the same defensive corps for next season, and they have also added Henry Thrun from the San Jose Sharks in an offseason trade. Unfortunately for Philippe Myers, after what some could call a breakout season in 2024-25, he’s going to have an uphill climb trying to crack the opening night roster heading into 2025-26.

Myers, 28, was one of the feel-good stories for the Maple Leafs last season. The 6-foot-5 right-handed blueliner appeared in 36 games for the Leafs last year, the most he’s played since 2020-21. Myers showed off his stay-at-home defensive style when given the chance to, something head coach Craig Berube enjoyed seeing develop, “He’s physical, he’s simple, on the penalty kill and he’s got great size and reach.” Myers averaged over a minute killing penalties, and wasn’t ever afraid to use his body, landing two hits per game, and blocking 42 shots.

Myers was caught in a numbers game last season, as the Leafs blueline was crowded. Loaded with veterans, there was also Simon Benoit who took a giant step forward, and once the Leafs landed Brandon Carlo from the Boston Bruins ahead of the trade deadline, it was extremely tough for Myers to carve himself out a role on the team from the press box. It, unfortunately for Myers, could be the same ol’ story heading into next season.

Brad Treliving was able to find a taker for Ryan Reaves, sending him to his close friend Mike Grier in San Jose, and landing Thrun in the process. The 24-year-old is a touch smaller than Myers at 6-foot-2, however has played a combined 111 games for the Sharks the past two seasons. Thrun recorded 12 points in 60 games last year in San Jose, both career highs, and the Harvard University alum is someone that’s known for his puck-moving abilities, and he also has lots of experience as a depth penalty killer.

Myers is four years older, and has more NHL experience under his belt, but unfortunately for him, that’s not going to matter much come training camp in Toronto. Berube is going to break camp with who he feels are the seven best defencemen, with very limited potential that eight d-men make the opening night roster. The Thrun vs. Myers competition is going to be one to watch for the Maple Leafs, who will also have the first-line right-wing spot up for grabs, along with several roles within the bottom six.

What Myers has going for him is the momentum he built under Berube last season. The lanky defender impressed the organization so much, Treliving handed him a two-year extension, worth $850,000 AAV. The team loved his willingness to jump into the rush, his don’t back down attitude, and there’s no doubt his skating abilities are impressive for a defenceman of his size. Myers lack of consistency has faltered him throughout his career, and with Thrun now in town looking over his shoulder, he’ll need to make an impact from the opening drill in camp. Yes, there will be injuries, and opportunities can arise, so the Leafs will need eight NHL defencemen at some point throughout the season, but there’s also top defensive prospect Ben Danford who will be pushing for minutes in the near future, and could leap frog Myers before he knows it.

When Myers is at his best, he’s keeping the game as simple as possible. This includes being sound defensively, being cautious, yet timely with his aggressiveness to jump into the rush, and every single shift he’s being physical. He doesn’t need to be laying bone-crushing open-ice hits, but Myers does need to ensure he’s clearing out the front of the net, using his big body to block shots, and limiting cycles along the walls in his own zone. The organization is very high on what his capabilities are, so frankly Thrun is going to have to turn several heads at training camp if he wants to pass Myers on the depth chart.

With the Maple Leafs lack of offence from their blueline last season, one way to make an impact could be jumping into the rush more for either Thrun or Myers, and finding a way to chip in on the scoresheet. Keep an eye on how aggressive these two are during preseason action, as they’ll look to stand out more ways than one.

If Thrun is one of the talks of training camp next month, Myers may wind up on waivers, and on his way out of Toronto.