For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the depth pieces attached to the team are in somewhat prime shape to carry the team this upcoming season, not to mention that the team will try to sign star forward, Auston Matthews, to an extension this summer.
What makes this team unique is that they will have the firepower from the core, not to mention the additions the team has made that will provide more skill to their game.
Losing key players, such as Ryan O’Reilly, in the 2023 NHL Free Agency was a tough pill to swallow, however, this does not mean the team is set to lose this season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will deliver this season.
While some contracts make up for the next few years, the depth the team has will give GM Brad Treliving more options to play with, rather than make bold moves. It also gives him time to evaluate the team, and based on its needs, they will have a clear picture of what players are needed during the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline or sooner.
The assurance is that key players on the roster that will help the Core Four deliver playmaking abilities and goals this year.
The problem might be at first that the team may struggle to find its identity and rhythm of play due to the new faces, but as the stretch winds down, the dominance from the Toronto Maple Leafs roster should pick up steadily.
Given that the team is playoff bound without a doubt, the moves the GM will make will surely have to make an impact to the depth specifically, because of the star power already assigned to the team itself.
What matters most is that the Core Four will be standing strong and providing the necessary offense for the team, along with the leadership and take charge attitude.
This will be an interesting season based on what has happened thus far. Let’s see how far the Toronto Maple Leafs and GM Brad Treliving can take it.