As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for training camp, excitement builds with the start of preseason hockey just around the corner on September 22. General Manager Brad Treliving has been active in shaping the roster, signing several players to professional tryouts (PTOs) while also securing deals with restricted free agent Nicholas Robertson and free agent Jani Hakanpaa. These strategic moves are aimed at fostering competition within the team, reminiscent of last season when they traded Sam Lafferty to free up cap space. This year, similar decisions loom as Treliving considers the roster’s financial landscape, especially if he intends to retain any of the newly signed PTO players.
The Maple Leafs are facing some tough choices regarding depth players who carry significant cap hits. Among those who might be at risk are Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, and Timothy Liljegren. Each player’s future with the team could hinge on their performance in training camp and how well they fit into the vision of new head coach Craig Berube. This situation is compounded by the need to create cap flexibility for potential signings, making it likely that trades will be necessary to balance the books.
Calle Jarnkrok, the 32-year-old winger, comes first on the potential casualty list with a cap hit of $2.1 million. His fate may depend largely on his rapport with Berube and his ability to impress during camp. Jarnkrok’s speed and forechecking skills are assets, but if he can enhance his physical play, he might solidify his role in the bottom-six forward group. His modified no-trade clause allows for some flexibility, as he can be traded to 21 teams, which could aid Treliving in finding a new destination if necessary. Past injuries may impact his trade value, so the team might be looking to maximize their return while also addressing their cap situation.
Next up is David Kampf, whose $2.4 million cap hit as a fourth-line center raises concerns in the current salary structure of the NHL. Although he provides strong defensive play, the emergence of other forwards in training camp, including Lorentz, who is on a PTO, may render Kampf expendable. Like Jarnkrok, he holds a modified no-trade clause, which may complicate any potential transactions. With the Maple Leafs shifting toward a youth-oriented roster, the window to trade veterans like Kampf is closing, especially as younger players look to claim those roster spots.
Finally, Timothy Liljegren, a promising 25-year-old defenseman with a $3 million cap hit, could also be on the trading block. Despite not fully reaching his potential in Toronto, Liljegren remains an intriguing asset due to his age and the possibility of developing into a top-four defenseman elsewhere. The Maple Leafs may prioritize moving him given the logjam on their defensive unit, especially after recent acquisitions. This would not only help manage the cap but could also bring back valuable assets in return.
As training camp unfolds, the Maple Leafs find themselves in a precarious position, balancing roster depth and salary cap constraints. It’s likely that Treliving will be exploring the trade market extensively as decisions are made regarding Jarnkrok, Kampf, and Liljegren. The upcoming weeks promise to be pivotal for the team’s roster composition as they aim to strike the right balance heading into the new season.