Projecting the Toronto Maple Leafs' opening night roster for the 2025-26 season is a complex task, filled with speculation and a mix of projection, performance, and personal bias. Several factors contribute to the uncertainty, including the departure of key players like Mitch Marner, the emergence of promising prospects like Easton Cowan, and the ongoing need to manage the NHL's salary cap.
Forward Lines
First Line: The composition of the top line is a major point of discussion. Auston Matthews is a lock at center. Matthew Knies has been a consistent presence on his left. The right-wing position is more open. Matias Maccelli is one possibility. Max Domi has also been considered, given his past success with Matthews.
Second Line: There's excitement around Easton Cowan potentially earning a top-six role. One projection places him on the second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander. Cowan's speed and skill could complement the two veterans.
Third and Fourth Lines: These lines have several potential combinations. Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy seem likely to be in the mix. Other players who could fill these spots include Dakota Joshua, Michael Pezzetta, Calle Järnkrok, and David Kämpf.
Defense and Goaltending
Based on recent analysis, the goaltending and defensive lineups are less likely to change drastically. Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll are expected to be the goaltending duo. The defensive pairings could remain largely the same, potentially featuring Morgan Rielly, Timothy Liljegren, Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev.
Key Questions and Considerations
Easton Cowan's Readiness: A key question is whether Cowan is ready for the NHL. If he earns a spot, it would be a significant win for the Maple Leafs.
Nicholas Robertson's Future: There is uncertainty around Nicholas Robertson and whether he will be on the opening night roster.
Salary Cap Management: The Maple Leafs will need to make some cap maneuvering to finalize their opening night lineup. They have a projected cap space of just over $1.9 million.
Leadership and Character: Some observers have noted that the team lacks leadership and character, which are essential for winning championships.
Overall Outlook
The Maple Leafs have added depth to their forward group. However, questions remain about the team's overall composition and whether they have the right mix of talent, leadership, and character to contend for a Stanley Cup.
