Some potential PTO candidates for the Leafs with training camp just a few weeks away
As we get closer and closer to training camp, which is scheduled to begin in roughly five weeks time, there are still a number of free agents looking for contracts as well as some unqualified younger free agents looking for a fresh start. With the Leafs having four contract slots open (46/50) and $2.1M over the salary cap with a 23-man roster, inviting a few of the remaining UFAs to training camp on PTOs would be a good way to add some depth and give themselves more time to create cap room, similar to what they did with Zach Aston-Reese last fall. That being said, lets take a look at potential PTO candidates.
Jujhar Khaira
At 6'4 and 220 pounds, Khaira is the ideal candidate for a bottom-six role with the Leafs. He can play center or left wing and is not afraid to throw his weight around. He finished last season with 108 hits, 40 blocks and also spent time on the penalty kill with the Hawks. The 28-year-old appeared in 51 games, registering 14 points last season. Health is obviously a bit of a concern for Khaira, but he might be worth a PTO and a bit of a longer look from the Leafs this summer. If they're looking for "snot", Khaira has that.
Motte spent last season splitting time between the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators. He collected 19 points in 62 games but is known for his willingness to crash and bang more than anything else, finishing with 118 hits last season. Motte is also an excellent skater and can play the penalty kill, giving the Leafs another option to replace Alexander Kerfoot and Noel Acciari. If granted a PTO, Motte would likely be in a battle with Bobby McMann, Sam Lafferty and Pontus Holmberg for one of the final roster spots up front.
I'm sure that many of you saw this name asked yourselves, "Who?!". The 24-year-old is on the smaller side at 5'9, but can play both wing positions and just completed his rookie season with the Minnesota Wild. Shaw did not receive a qualifying offer from the Wild, which allowed him to become a UFA on July 1st. The Leafs' prospect pool isn't exactly deep after Matthew Knies and Nicholas Robertson, so it wouldn't hurt to bring in the Alberta native, who still has some upside. In 59 games with the Wild last season, the feisty winger posted 17 points and 79 penalty minutes and in the previous season with the Iowa Wild of the AHL he had 106 penalty minutes to go along with 52 points in just 62 games. He isn't afraid to muck it up, but also has some finishing ability. He'd make a solid PTO candidate for the Leafs and might actually win a roster spot towards the bottom of the lineup if given the opportunity.
There are more candidates that may fit the bill, but these are the 3 who stood out to me above the rest in terms of viability and also a potential fit in Toronto. Once we get a little closer to training camp, I'm sure we'll see a few players added on PTO's. I wouldn't be surprised if any or all of these 3 players received a tryout with the Leafs.
| POLL | ||
10 AOUT | 139 ANSWERS Some potential PTO candidates for the Leafs with training camp just a few weeks away Which of these 3 players could you most see receiving a PTO in Toronto this fall? | ||
| Mason Shaw | 12 | 8.6 % |
| Tyler Motte | 92 | 66.2 % |
| Jujhar Khaira | 35 | 25.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
