Robertson loses his spot after 1 pre season game.

Obviously it's a projection and nothing more, but the Athletic, if you add up their projections, has the Leafs scoring 1 more goal than last season and giving up 40 fewer - and doing this with both Woll and Stolarz posting rather moderate.910 save percentages. For reference the league average last year was .903, and the league average for goalies with at least 35 starts was .905.

The Leafs have improved their back-end simply by replacing Brodie with Tanev and not having Samsonov in net. I don't think OEL will be the tire fire that Klingberg is - but he is still a below average defender. Assuming Hakanpaa stands up, he is an improvement over either of Edmundson or Lyubushkin.

Marner is small but defensively very good, and Matthews is also defensively exceptional. We know that Nylander, Domi and Tavares aren't the most reliable.

I am expecting good things from Knies this year - not huge points, I don't think - maybe 55ish with around 25 goals, but a more rounded game and more defensive attention to detail. Especially if he can stick with Matthews.

The locks have to be: Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares, Domi and Knies - that's it. Kampf, Jarnkrok, McMann, Dewar, Holmberg, Reaves and Robertson are all probable based on their contract status - but I wouldn't call any of them locks.

To your point, in that group Robertson is weak defensively as is Reaves, but the others are all responsible enough. But what does a guy like Cowan add to the bottom-6? I suppose you could say if Cowan beats out Robertson at camp - and by a significant margin - then maybe you have a harder decision to make, but otherwise the team seems like it's not moving too many pieces around. This also doesn't address how well Lorentz and Pacioretty may fare at camp and if they force any hands, too. I think Treliving really wants Pacioretty on this team so Robertson, Holmberg, Dewar and Jarnkrok better impress in the next two weeks.
- Monkeypunk

I’m agreeing with you about everything here except Cowan is a long shot and there’s no way the leafs are going to drop Kampf. Nylander is not a proven C so let’s face it, the leafs only have 3 of them and that’s why Kampf will be on this team. Other than salary dumps once Berube chooses his lineup there won’t be any notable trades happening anytime soon. As for Pacioretty they’re just waiting to see if he is healthy, if he is he’ll get signed. Running with Knies, Robertson, McMann, and Dewar on the LW would be flat out foolish. Dewar being the most experienced with only 190 games, then Robertson at No. 2 with his 87. The leafs need experience in that position badly.

Robertson loses his spot after 1 pre season game.
- Santo_44

The first preseason game is on the 22nd so which game are you talking about?

To your point, in that group Robertson is weak defensively as is Reaves, but the others are all responsible enough. But what does a guy like Cowan add to the bottom-6? I suppose you could say if Cowan beats out Robertson at camp - and by a significant margin - then maybe you have a harder decision to make, but otherwise the team seems like it's not moving too many pieces around. This also doesn't address how well Lorentz and Pacioretty may fare at camp and if they force any hands, too. I think Treliving really wants Pacioretty on this team so Robertson, Holmberg, Dewar and Jarnkrok better impress in the next two weeks.
- Monkeypunk

Last year, in 56 games, Robertson had 14 goals and 13 assists, and was a +4. Averaged 11:23 TOI/GP.

Last year, in 49 games, Ryan Reaves had 4 goals and 2 assists, was a team-worst -13, and averaged only 8:07 in TOI/GP.

If they put Robertson on waivers (he will 100% be snatched up by another team) to keep Reaves on the roster, I will absolutely lose my poop.

The first preseason game is on the 22nd so which game are you talking about?
- Dozzer

Whichever game he gets in, he will lose his spot.


A Nylander or Cowan will beat him out.

I don't have confidence in him, I hope he proves me wrong and dominates and scores 50 goals this season.

Last year, in 56 games, Robertson had 14 goals and 13 assists, and was a +4. Averaged 11:23 TOI/GP.

Last year, in 49 games, Ryan Reaves had 4 goals and 2 assists, was a team-worst -13, and averaged only 8:07 in TOI/GP.

If they put Robertson on waivers (he will 100% be snatched up by another team) to keep Reaves on the roster, I will absolutely lose my poop.
- Atomic Wedgie

Now do A Nylander.

Also they would trade him and get an asset back.

You're probably right. I agree with you.

Although I was impressed by how physical he was. He didn't flinch even when battling vs a big guy like Mailloux who may very well play in the NHL this season. I don't think that part of his game will prevent him to play this season.
- Scabeh

Mailloux is thick. Just seeing that kid in the rookie games standing beside other kids . . . he looked like twice as wide as some kids. I think he's put on at least 10 pounds since last year.

I wouldn't expect Cowan to be easily intimidated - it's his style of play - but when translating to the NHL I'm not sure if he has the size, yet, to compete with NHL defensemen - but he is up to 185 from 170, so the kid is doing the right things.

Mailloux is thick. Just seeing that kid in the rookie games standing beside other kids . . . he looked like twice as wide as some kids. I think he's put on at least 10 pounds since last year.

I wouldn't expect Cowan to be easily intimidated - it's his style of play - but when translating to the NHL I'm not sure if he has the size, yet, to compete with NHL defensemen - but he is up to 185 from 170, so the kid is doing the right things.
- Monkeypunk

if Caufield can do it at 5'8" in the NHL playoffs at the same age then anyone can

Whichever game he gets in, he will lose his spot.


A Nylander or Cowan will beat him out.

I don't have confidence in him, I hope he proves me wrong and dominates and scores 50 goals this season.
- Santo_44

Alex Nylander was drafted in 2016, and in the eight years since, he's only played 121 NHL games.

He's so franking bad he didn't even get an NHL contract - he's currently signed to an AHL deal.

Why do Leafs fans think this guy is going to make the roster?

Alex Nylander was drafted in 2016, and in the eight years since, he's only played 121 NHL games.

He's so franking bad he didn't even get an NHL contract - he's currently signed to an AHL deal.

Why do Leafs fans think this guy is going to make the roster?
- Atomic Wedgie

He received NHL deals but chose toronto.

Literally just said that 10 mins ago. The AHL deal is smoke and mirrors.

Its to guarantee he doesn't go through waivers. If he doesn't make it out of camp he will at some point this season. And he will never have to go through waivers to do so.

Last year, in 56 games, Robertson had 14 goals and 13 assists, and was a +4. Averaged 11:23 TOI/GP.

Last year, in 49 games, Ryan Reaves had 4 goals and 2 assists, was a team-worst -13, and averaged only 8:07 in TOI/GP.

If they put Robertson on waivers (he will 100% be snatched up by another team) to keep Reaves on the roster, I will absolutely lose my poop.
- Atomic Wedgie

I have said all through this trade-demand drama that I like Robertson. *I* would keep him and I believe he could be a 20 goal scorer with the right opportunity. But really if I draw a career parallel for him, I think he might be more of a Daniel Sprong type than anything more. A guy with a great shot, who can prop up a power play or excel against lower competition, but really can't be elevated against tougher competition because of his one-way play. That said - Robertson is 23 with 87 games under his belt. Sprong is 27 with 344 games. Robertson has a time to grow his game and round it out. Sprong is pretty much what you see at this point.

If they keep Reaves over Robertson it would be a ridiculous decision fuelled by old school thinking. The thing with the old school thinking is that there's still about 40% of hockey fans who gravitate to it.

...

The Leafs have improved their back-end simply by replacing Brodie with Tanev and not having Samsonov in net. I don't think OEL will be the tire fire that Klingberg is - but he is still a below average defender. Assuming Hakanpaa stands up, he is an improvement over either of Edmundson or Lyubushkin.

.....
- Monkeypunk

My general take is that the forward group is about the same. The blueline, if healthy, is better ...and has a chance to be significantly better. Brodie and Gio really struggled last year and played a lot of minutes. Benoit started slow and improved as the season went on. Tanev, OEL and Hakanpaa could make a big difference.

Goaltending and special teams may be the biggest variables. Both need to be better.

Is that Kamala Harris in the white dress?
- Atomic Wedgie

I don't think Kamala has met the criteria for a white dress for a LOOOOOOOOONG time

The leafs pick their team yet?

I will honestly say this… I think people are thinking a little too strongly that a guy with no professional experience, Cowan, will make this team.

Does he have a rough chance? Sure. Is it likely? No. The leafs need defence from the forwards, not more offence.
- Dozzer

I don't think there is a snowballs chance in hell he stays up all year. He may get his 8 or 9 game shot like Minten last year, but he could use another year in the AHL. He's going to be a heck of a player, but don't ruin his development by making him play against the best in the world already.

Robertson loses his spot after 1 pre season game.
- Santo_44

I think he'll be traded very shortly.

I don't think Kamala has met the criteria for a white dress for a LOOOOOOOOONG time
- Whipper

You really stooping to this level?

Disappointing.

Whichever game he gets in, he will lose his spot.


A Nylander or Cowan will beat him out.

I don't have confidence in him, I hope he proves me wrong and dominates and scores 50 goals this season.
- Santo_44

I love Tre's comments about him (or was it Berube?). Something about how he's a heck of a scorer, but there are other parts of the game that you need to have to be a complete player. Shots fired.

You really stooping to this level?

Disappointing.
- Atomic Wedgie

When someone tees it up that high, you gotta take a rip

Alex Nylander was drafted in 2016, and in the eight years since, he's only played 121 NHL games.

He's so franking bad he didn't even get an NHL contract - he's currently signed to an AHL deal.

Why do Leafs fans think this guy is going to make the roster?
- Atomic Wedgie

Out of all of the camp questions, his is the one that raises the most eyebrows. Some of these guys learn how to handle success but they don't learn how to handle failure. I know nothing about Alex Nylander - but there are many athletes that talk about not taking it seriously until you're standing on that precipice or being overwhelmed with suddenly not being successful at something you'd always been successful at.

Alex Nylander put on 13 pounds of muscle this offseason going from 192 to 205. To me, that is a significant sign of dedication to wanting to improve. He'd have to earn it, obviously, but the first step is caring.

I love Tre's comments about him (or was it Berube?). Something about how he's a heck of a scorer, but there are other parts of the game that you need to have to be a complete player. Shots fired.
- Whipper

Yeah I have not liked his attitude.

Now they are giving him the spot to lose. You think you have earned the spot already? Fine have it, now keep it.

Out of all of the camp questions, his is the one that raises the most eyebrows. Some of these guys learn how to handle success but they don't learn how to handle failure. I know nothing about Alex Nylander - but there are many athletes that talk about not taking it seriously until you're standing on that precipice or being overwhelmed with suddenly not being successful at something you'd always been successful at.

Alex Nylander put on 13 pounds of muscle this offseason going from 192 to 205. To me, that is a significant sign of dedication to wanting to improve. He'd have to earn it, obviously, but the first step is caring.
- Monkeypunk

He intrigues me a lot.

Has the Willy shot, is a good skater and has the tools.

I mean 11 goals in 20 something games is not easy.

I can already tell you now Cowan will look better than him, and will be better offensively.

Like Berube said Cowan needs to prove he doesn't have the junior habits....if he does that then Robertson will have a new home.

Out of all of the camp questions, his is the one that raises the most eyebrows. Some of these guys learn how to handle success but they don't learn how to handle failure. I know nothing about Alex Nylander - but there are many athletes that talk about not taking it seriously until you're standing on that precipice or being overwhelmed with suddenly not being successful at something you'd always been successful at.

Alex Nylander put on 13 pounds of muscle this offseason going from 192 to 205. To me, that is a significant sign of dedication to wanting to improve. He'd have to earn it, obviously, but the first step is caring.
- Monkeypunk

I seem to recall Willy gassing him up too in the offseason. Like you say, when you see your bro absolutely killing it, and you have one last shot at making it, maybe that's the fire he needs. I'd say he's got at least a 50/50 shot.

Out of all of the camp questions, his is the one that raises the most eyebrows. Some of these guys learn how to handle success but they don't learn how to handle failure. I know nothing about Alex Nylander - but there are many athletes that talk about not taking it seriously until you're standing on that precipice or being overwhelmed with suddenly not being successful at something you'd always been successful at.

Alex Nylander put on 13 pounds of muscle this offseason going from 192 to 205. To me, that is a significant sign of dedication to wanting to improve. He'd have to earn it, obviously, but the first step is caring.
- Monkeypunk

He's bounced around the league for a while now. Maybe he figures it out but it still seems like a longshot at best.

There's a reason he only has a AHL contract....

Go Leafs Go

Say the goddamn words

He's bounced around the league for a while now. Maybe he figures it out but it still seems like a longshot at best.

There's a reason he only has a AHL contract....
- Scabeh

He had NHL offers.

Literally just said it.