The 2024-25 season kicks off in 65 days, but the Toronto Maple Leafs still face several unresolved issues. A key question is the status of Jani Hakanpää, who was recently seen at a Finnish charity event in a Dallas Stars jersey, with no official confirmation from the Maple Leafs about his signing. There are also uncertainties about star forward Mitch Marner and whether the team will clear cap space through trades before the season starts.

These uncertainties make predicting the opening-night lineup challenging. However, using resources like Puck Pedia and Cap Wages, we can make an educated guess at the Maple Leafs’ potential roster for the start of the 2024-25 season.

Maple Leafs Forwards
The forward group remains largely unchanged, aside from Tyler Bertuzzi’s departure. Twelve forwards are returning, and several prospects like Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten, and Alex Steeves are competing for roster spots.

Lineup without Cowan, Minten & Steeves:
– William Nylander – Auston Matthews – Max Domi
– Mitch Marner – John Tavares – Bobby McMann
– Matthews Knies – Pontus Holmberg – Calle Jarnkrok
– Ryan Reaves – David Kampf – Connor Dewar

Lineup with Cowan, Minten & Steeves:
– William Nylander – Auston Matthews – Max Domi
– Mitch Marner – John Tavares – Bobby McMann
– Matthews Knies – Fraser Minten – Easton Cowan
– Calle Jarnkrok – David Kampf – Connor Dewar

If Cowan, Minten, and Steeves make the team, Steeves would likely be the 13th forward. Cowan and Minten, with Knies’ NHL experience, could form a dynamic “kid line,” providing much-needed secondary scoring.

The Blue Line
Lineup without Hakanpää:
– Morgan Rielly – Chris Tanev
– Simon Benoit – Jake McCabe
– Oliver Ekman Larsson – Timothy Liljegren

Lineup with Hakanpää:
– Morgan Rielly – Chris Tanev
– Simon Benoit – Jake McCabe
– Oliver Ekman Larsson – Jani Hakanpää

GM Brad Treliving has focused on strengthening the defense, bringing in players like Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Phillippe Myers, and Dakota Mermis. If Hakanpää signs, Liljegren might become the seventh defenseman, freeing up $3 million in cap space for additional roster moves. Without Hakanpää, the team would feature a mix of offensive and defensive pairings.

Goaltending
– Joseph Woll
– Anthony Stolarz

The goaltending situation has evolved with Ilya Samsonov’s departure and the arrival of Anthony Stolarz, who is expected to back up Joseph Woll. Stolarz could challenge Woll for the starting position. Additionally, Matt Murray has been re-signed as a safety net in case of injury.

Overall, the Maple Leafs are set for another playoff run. Management needs to address the forward line, particularly the uncertainty surrounding Marner. Despite these challenges, the improved and deep defense could significantly enhance the team’s performance throughout the season.