The Toronto Maple Leafs have finalized their 2025-26 roster, navigating a complex web of salary cap constraints, strategic call-ups, and a sudden shift in their goaltending plans. With the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens just around the corner, General Manager Brad Treliving and Coach Craig Berube have been making some unexpected moves.
The most significant shakeup involves the team's goaltending situation. Joseph Woll has taken a leave of absence to attend to a personal family matter, with no confirmed timeline for his return. Treliving has expressed optimism about Woll's progress but remained tight-lipped about specifics. In light of Woll's absence, the Maple Leafs claimed Cayden Primeau off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes. This move led to the release of veteran James Reimer from his professional tryout. Treliving acknowledged that Reimer "didn't really have a lot of time to get up to speed" during camp and emphasized that Primeau's acquisition provides the team with crucial depth. Primeau himself described his last 24 hours as a "whirlwind," involving delayed flights and a sprint through the airport to join the team. For the time being, the Leafs will rely on Anthony Stolarz and Primeau in net. Stolarz, who is entering the final season of his contract, is focused on preparing for the season amidst ongoing contract negotiations.
The Maple Leafs also claimed Sammy Blais off waivers. Blais reunites with coach Berube, with whom he won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019. Treliving cited Blais' familiarity with Berube as a key factor in the decision.
Several forwards have seen their roles shift as well. Nick Robertson, after signing a one-year extension in the offseason, has earned a spot on the third line alongside Max Domi and Dakota Joshua. Calle Järnkrok, who missed a significant portion of last season due to injury, is now skating with Nicolas Roy and Steven Lorentz.
Rookie Easton Cowan will start the season with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL). Despite an impressive preseason, the Leafs opted to keep Jacob Quillan on the opening night roster, a decision that is likely cap-related. Head coach Berube has indicated that there is a plan in place for Cowan, suggesting that a mid-season call-up remains a strong possibility.
The Maple Leafs have approximately $19,721 in projected cap space and a cap hit of $95,480,279. The team has 23 active players on the roster and 48 players under contract. To create cap and roster space, the Leafs are expected to place Scott Laughton and Marshall Rifai on Injured Reserve. David Kampf has been placed on waivers and, if he clears, will be assigned to the Toronto Marlies.
The defense pairings see Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Simon Benoit reunited, with Benoit playing on his off-side. Ilya Lyubushkin will serve as the seventh defenseman and draw into the lineup when needed.
These moves reflect the Maple Leafs' commitment to building organizational depth and maximizing their salary cap flexibility. The team is aiming to strike a balance between fielding a competitive roster and providing opportunities for young players to develop.
