It appears there's a clear reason why the Leafs didn't bring in a 3C this summer
Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs did not seek out an upgrade at 3C this summer, and as it turns out, there might be a pretty good reason for that.
The Toronto Maple Leafs set out on a mission this summer to bolster their back-end and goaltending. Treliving did so by acquiring Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson and extending Timothy Liljegren before adding Anthony Stolarz in goal. While those positions look to be solidified as we inch closer to training camp, the offensive group might look a little flat comparatively, especially the third line.
It is widely expected that Matthew Knies should find himself on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner and that Bobby McMann will follow suit and play alongside John Tavares and William Nylander to round out the top-6. After that, question marks start to arise in what the third line will look like, and more importantly, who could be centering it.
As things stand today, Daily Faceoff has Max Domi down the middle with Pontus Holmberg and Calle Jarnkrok as his wingers. Connor Dewar, David Kampf, and Ryan Reaves will assume their roles on the fourth line. While it's not an eye-popping trio, perhaps Treliving had other options on his mind when he was orchestrating his off-season plans.
Domi seems like the logical option just based on his track record, his play last year, and the rest of his competition. He won 226 of his 452 draws last year and has had seasons in the past where he has played the centre position as a full-timer. His versatility will come in handy should they find a better replacement but for the time being, expect Domi to assume his role as the top-9 centre to start things out.
On the other side of the spectrum we have Holmberg, who will be entering his third season in the league and will be looking to improve on his 7 goals and 17 points in 54 contests from last year. Unlike Domi, Holmberg is a natural center, but has assumed a winger's role from time-to-time, including much of last season. His 44.3% success rate on draws is likely why he has been shifted to the wing.
In the minors, the Leafs could look to a player like Alex Steeves, who has been a productive AHLer over the last few seasons. He scored 27 goals and 57 points in 65 games in 2023-24, 19 goals and 51 points the year before, and 23 goals and 46 points in 58 games in his rookie season. He is a natural center and has shown an affinity for producing offense even dating back to his collegiate days with Notre Dame (26 goals and 60 points in his last 65 games). The 24-year-old is more than ready should the Leafs be willing to give him a shot.
If neither Holmberg or Steeves are options for Treliving, he could be planning something bigger for Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten. The duo represents the best that the Leafs' pipeline has to offer, but the biggest question is whether or not they're ready for the NHL.
Cowan is just 19 years old, but has matured immensely in just one calendar year, whereas Minten broke onto the scene last year out of camp and had a surprising trial run before being loaned back to the WHL. Should the Leafs want to add more youth - and cheap contracts - to their everyday lineup, they can do so with either player, or perhaps even both.
Training camp will provide the perfect battleground for the supposed vacant top-9 role but Domi's versatility should give him the leg-up for the position. However, should they feel he's better suited on the wing, they have several in-house options, whether that be Holmberg, Steeves, or prospects like Cowan or Minten to turn to.
Fail that, there's always the trade market, but it would appear as though Treliving has a plan in mind for his team, since they did not go out and pull the trigger on acquiring or signing a competent, capable 3C.
Source for Pontus Holmberg statistics:
Pontus Holmberg
Source for Max Domi statistics: Hockey-Reference
Max Domi stats and bio
| POLL | ||
AOUT 3 | 2237 ANSWERS It appears there's a clear reason why the Leafs didn't bring in a 3C this summer Who should be the Maple Leafs 3C to open the season? | ||
| Max Domi | 1042 | 46.6 % |
| Pontus Holmberg | 363 | 16.2 % |
| Alex Steeves | 269 | 12 % |
| Fraser Minten | 563 | 25.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
