The Toronto Maple Leafs are a team that is getting the most out of its top two lines; however, the bottom-six two lines need a shake-up, and in good faith, we might see some changes to that aspect of the team.
Observing the gameplay and the statics of the bottom-six lineup, compared to the top-two lines for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it is somewhat irregularly balanced and needs critical tweaking and adjusting to skills and scoring.
Also, with productivity, there will have to be a strong defensive game matched with physicality, making the analysts believe that this team is ready to run at this season's 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Not to mention the critical aspect of building for the team's future. Given that the nature of the squad is to bow out of the post-season with a bitter taste and not having the depth on the Maple Leaf's roster, that would have got them over the hump of the first round of action.
The changes needed for the Toronto Maple Leafs bottom-six lineup
The team needs to become more dominant in its arsenal by creating turnovers against the opposing teams, including having a strong defensive scoring-assisted unit. That means the team will have to trade and acquire players with the type of game to shut down the opposing team's offense while setting up plays in the offensive zone.
To be spot-on with the scoring, the Maple Leafs will have to get grittier when recording the wins in a well-rounded game. This will give the Leafs coaching staff flexibility and provide ample lines to match the opposing team's gameplay.
This may sound like the Edmonton Oilers, but the current strategy will have to be a must to build a solid team to make a run at the Stanley Cup and win. Management will have plenty of options around the league to work with. We will take you through three players the team could trade and the players who could provide the necessary tools to give the Leafs roster a bang for their buck.
Three players to trade on the Maple Leafs roster
These players on the Leafs' roster need a fresh start with a new team because of the lack of production and chemistry played by the forwards. This would allow GM Brad Treliving to acquire specific names, especially those who are forwards, to work in a system that would match the needs of the Core 4.
Fraser Minton
With the six points on the year for Minton, it is difficult not to include him on this list, but he would be a considerable asset to acquire draft picks and get somewhat good value in a trade because of his biggest asset. His age and speed to his arsenal.
Fraser Minton's gameplay this season has not matched the level of intensity the top two lines play with, and there is not enough physicality to give the Leafs roster much to work with. For the team to succeed, it must move on from the forward.
David Kampf
His attributes to scoring are what kept the forward in Toronto this many years; however, his game is in decline and does not match the chemistry of the forward listed above. His value is still fresh, and the type of gameplay he could provide to other teams could be the necessary icing to get quality forward and a solid draft pick.
David Kampf's gameplay has been stellar over the past few years but does not provide the scoring touch he once possessed. He could give another team a better option to preside with if the opportunity came to trade him.
Pontus Holmberg
Holmberg is having a breakout year with the Maple Leafs; he is on track to have a high career season and could exceed expectations. He would be the perfect trade bait to get a valued and seasoned forward for a fair-value deal.
His gameplay is evolving, but the Leafs' management should consider a forward with size and good scoring ability for the depth system to complement the team. The presence needed would help out on the defensive end and provide secondary scoring on the other end.
Bottom-six forwards the Leafs' team should acquire
Frank Vatrano
Frank Vatrano's veteran presence would give the Toronto Maple Leafs ample room to work with because of his overall goal-scoring prowess and defensive game. He is a proven leader who would take charge of the locker room, working with the Core 4.
His added gritty game would give the Leafs that secondary scoring needed to secure games and ensure the team is ready to play come playoff time. He would also use his defensive skills to ensure no late-minute disruptions. Working alongside the coaching staff would make him fit in well.
Andreas Athansiou
His speed alone would pressure the opposing teams to create turnovers and capitalize on the opposing team's mistakes. Athanasiou is a talented forward who would complement the Core 4 by scoring and making plays for his teammates.
Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Athanasiou has made quite the name for himself, playing alongside Connor Bedard and Taylor Hall. He even had that chemistry with Max Domi when they played together in Chicago.
Ryan McLeod
McLeod is a young, talented forward who would give the Toronto Maple Leafs scoring and speed in the postseason with his gameplay. He was traded to the Buffalo Sabres but needs a fresh start. He could be the player that gives the Maple Leafs more secondary scoring.
Ryan McLeod played steady years with the Edmonton Oilers and started producing in the playoffs during the run for the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup. He was a plus player, knowing his way around the ice and getting into good positions in the offensive zone. Along with a good defensive game to his effort.