The list of Leafs competing for a spot in the bottom six is a long one
As the days to opening night continue to pass, the question of what the active Leafs roster will look like remains at large. The Buds have made several additions this summer to replace their subtractions and they're still not done adding or subtracting.
Today, Zach Aston-Reese signed a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the Leafs. The 28-year-old center spent last season playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins and was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks at the deadline, finishing with 15 points in 69 games. Aston-Reese could be a great depth piece to the 4th line, but he's not the only one fighting for a spot on the roster.
The above list mentions some great options for the team, but only so many spots are available, and there's a lot to prove across the board.
Nick Robertson, Alex Steeves, and Nick Abruzzese are all vying for a chance to make impact felt at the NHL level. Meanwhile, returning Leafs Wayne Simmonds and Kyle Clifford are looking for a place to ride out the remainder of their contracts on the team. I'm sure they'd much rather be on an NHL roster than sitting in the press box or toiling in the AHL.
Aston-Reese appears likely to ink a deal in Toronto at this point, but there are no guarantees and he'll need to show well in camp to earn a spot. The same can be said for fellow newcomers Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Adam Gaudette.
Leafs training camp will commence on September 21st, with the preseason schedule beginning on September 24th.
| POLL | ||
10 SEPTEMBRE | 604 ANSWERS The list of Leafs competing for a spot in the bottom six is a long one Will Wayne Simmonds play in the NHL this season? | ||
| Yes | 123 | 20.4 % |
| No, he's likely done | 186 | 30.8 % |
| He'll be the 13th forward in Toronto | 174 | 28.8 % |
| He'll be traded/claimed on waivers | 121 | 20 % |
| List of polls | ||
