With the preseason completed, the Toronto Maple Leafs are ready to field their strongest roster for the opening night against Montreal, so let’s assess who will be on the ice and who won’t.

Following last year’s playoff exit, the focus shifts to the 2024-2025 Toronto Maple Leafs, a team restructured with a fresh perspective aimed at enhancing toughness, defense, and intimidation. They have a new head coach in Craig Berube and strengthened their defense by acquiring Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jani Hakanpaa. Additionally, they welcomed veterans Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz, and signed top backup Anthony Stolarz to support Joseph Woll in his inaugural season as the starting goaltender. Promising prospects like Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten, and Marshall Rifai are also in the mix, potentially stepping up sooner rather than later.

With the regular season set to begin on Wednesday, let’s determine who’s in and who’s out.

 Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz Establish Their Roles

There were many questions surrounding Max Pacioretty’s signing to a PTO this summer, given his injury history and long-standing rivalry with the Maple Leafs. Concerns about a 35-year-old with two rough seasons were natural, but Pacioretty has emerged looking revitalized and fit. He demonstrated impressive speed and conditioning at training camp, scoring two goals and assisting in the first preseason game against Ottawa, followed by two assists in a 2-0 win over Detroit. While preseason performance can be misleading, Pacioretty’s contributions have been encouraging, showcasing his veteran leadership and developing chemistry with Nick Robertson, a player expected to have a breakout year.

Alongside Pacioretty, Steven Lorentz joined on a PTO this summer, adding valuable experience as a recent Stanley Cup champion with Florida. Lorentz excels at faceoffs, is defensively responsible, and possesses the scoring ability to support the offense. With a nearly 50% faceoff win rate and a strong takeaway-to-giveaway ratio, he makes smart decisions with the puck. His versatility allows him to play both center and wing, making him a valuable asset for head coach Craig Berube.

Pacioretty’s role as a veteran scorer provides depth and potential high production for Toronto, while Lorentz’s defensive skills and adaptability are crucial for Berube’s system. However, the Maple Leafs must create cap space for both players, potentially by placing Connor Dewar and Jani Hakanpaa on LTIR. If both can secure spots on the opening night roster, they could become unexpected heroes in a Maple Leafs Stanley Cup pursuit.

Easton’s Journey to London

Easton Cowan, selected 28th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2023, faced a significant opportunity this preseason. Coming into camp eager to impress, Cowan played in five of six preseason games and received commendations from teammates and Berube. Despite some exciting plays, Cowan’s struggles with puck management and occasional confusion on the ice were evident. He acknowledged that the mental pressure of playing in Toronto affected his performance, but viewed the experience as a valuable learning opportunity.

Cowan’s continued development in London, given age regulations that prevent him from being sent down, will allow him to build on his successful 96-point season and grow mentally and physically before returning to camp next year, where he’ll aim for a spot in 2025. Although this season wasn’t his time, he is determined to seize his moment next summer.

Anthony Stolarz: Potential Starting Goaltender?

It’s rare for a team to enter free agency without a goaltender and exit with a Stanley Cup-winning backup, but GM Brad Treliving achieved that by signing Anthony Stolarz to a two-year, $5 million contract. This move solidifies the goaltending situation for Woll’s first season as the starter.

Stolarz may very well take over as the top goaltender this season. The Maple Leafs cannot afford setbacks on their path to the Cup, and with the possibility of Woll facing a sophomore slump, Stolarz’s proven track record becomes essential. His career record stands at 43-31-9 with a 2.69 GAA and .915 SV%, impressive for a player who has often been on underperforming teams. At 6’6″ and 243 pounds, Stolarz presents a formidable presence in goal.

Woll’s limited preseason performance raises concerns, as he allowed two goals on 20 shots in a recent game. In contrast, Stolarz’s strong showing in the 2-0 victory over Detroit showcased his capabilities, positioning him as a potential starter.

 Nick Robertson: Future Star

Nick Robertson’s transformation has been remarkable. After requesting a trade due to limited ice time, he emerged as the Maple Leafs’ top scorer during preseason. With a desire to prove himself, Robertson demonstrated his two-way play and intensity. He scored five goals, including two multi-goal games against Montreal and Detroit, and thrived under Berube’s guidance.

With his past season’s limited ice time resulting in 14 goals and 13 assists, Robertson now looks forward to playing alongside established veterans like Pacioretty and John Tavares, which should enhance his development. His growth is critical for the Maple Leafs, and he is poised to become a key contributor as they head into the season.

Final Thoughts on the Maple Leafs Roster for 2024-2025

While there are still a few players whose statuses remain unclear, such as Marshall Rifai, Philippe Myers, and Fraser Minten, it is likely that Rifai and Myers will be reassigned to the Marlies. Minten’s return will be interesting, and he is expected to play a significant role with the Marlies while awaiting a call-up.

Overall, the Maple Leafs’ roster appears solid. The team successfully executed its offseason strategy, adding defensemen focused on zone protection and bringing in veteran leadership with Pacioretty and Lorentz, who could be pivotal in a deep playoff run. With Robertson’s rise and the presence of a Cup-winning goaltender, the team is positioned well.

If the Maple Leafs are determined to shake off their playoff disappointments, they have taken significant steps to ensure that this season is not only thrilling but also victorious.