Maple Leafs New Roster Puzzle: Too Many Bottom-Six Players?

Last year, the Toronto Maple Leafs were constantly patching holes, especially in the bottom six. Injuries and lineup shifts meant they were juggling who could fill spots, and it showed in uneven performances. This year feels different: the team is overloaded with quality bottom-six players, which is its own problem.

Where Are the Real Openings in the Maple Leafs Lineup?

Toronto currently has 14 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goalies. That means, unless something changes, there aren’t many spots for young players like Easton Cowan. Training camp will still be exciting, but with top-six or even top-nine roles potentially not existing, opportunities could be pretty tight.

Is Max Pacioretty a Postseason Weapon or Roster Puzzle?

Should the Maple Leafs re-sign Max Pacioretty? Pacioretty brings playoff experience, toughness, and a knack for the net-front game. The worry? Can he maintain that over a full season? Many fans see him more as a part-time regular-season player, someone who can make a difference in the playoffs. Last year, the Maple Leafs managed him well, rotating him when needed—but with a crowded bottom six, fitting him in could get tricky.

Do the Maple Leafs Have a Bottom-Six Logjam?

The bottom six already have David Kampf, Steven Lorentz, Nick Robertson, Calle Jarnkrok, and others—making it hard for newcomers or part-timers to get ice time. Some fans suggest younger, healthier forwards like Klim Kostin or versatile scorers like Robby Fabbri would give the team more flexibility. But having all this depth might turn into an advantage if it’s managed well.