Maple Leafs facing a concerning issue ahead of the 2024-25 season

This week, we should begin to see players returning to their respective NHL cities to prepare for training camps, which are set to open in less than two weeks time.

The Maple Leafs addressed key issues this summer, filling some important holes on the blueline and in goal, but have largely ignored the forward positions, most notably on the left side of the ice. With the departure of Tyler Bertuzzi, the Leafs have a huge hole to fill at left wing, and while their pursuit of some depth at the position continues, time is fleeting to find a solution to their problem.

Last season, looking at the ice time for left wingers in Toronto, Bertuzzi was the overwhelming leader, playing more than 16 minutes per game. The next closest? A rookie Matthew Knies at 13:41 per game. It gets even more concerning when we look at Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann, who each logged around 11 and a half minutes per game.

Now, obviously Matthew Knies is going to take another step this year and see an increased role, which will come with a significant boost in ice time, but we still don't fully know what Bobby McMann is at the NHL level with his limited experience there. Could he become a legitimate top-6 forward? Yes, potentially. Is it a guarantee? Far from it.

Then we have the Nick Robertson conundrum to consider as well. Robertson submitted a trade request back in June and has not rescinded his request despite the fact that there is a very clear opportunity for him in Toronto this season.

The Leafs are taking a big gamble by not having added anyone who can play big minutes at left wing this summer, and while they've been linked to the likes of Max Pacioretty and James van Riemsdyk, among other veteran options, it certainly seems like the organization is banking on internal options stepping up instead of seeking out a more reliable, battle-tested solution. That, in and of itself, is concerning in such an important season.