ROSTER RUNDOWN
Making the cut
The goaltending seems set with Ilya Samsonov as the starter and rookie Joseph Woll pushing for playing time. That being said, keep an eye on veteran Martin Jones, who signed a one-year contract Aug. 9, if either of the other two falter. Jones has 10 seasons of NHL experience and helped the Seattle Kraken reach the playoffs last season. Forwards Bertuzzi, Domi and rookie Matthew Knies are battling for spots on the top two lines, but where does forward prospect Nicholas Robertson fit in after battling injuries the past few seasons?
Most intriguing addition
Domi is the type of player who thrives in the spotlight of a big hockey market. He was exposed to life with the Maple Leafs as a child because of his father, Tie Domi, who played 12 of his 16 NHL seasons with Toronto. Young Max often would hang out in the dressing room with the likes of Curtis Joseph, Darcy Tucker and his godfather, Mats Sundin, even when the media came in. If any player can handle the pressure that goes with being in the hockey fishbowl of Toronto, it's Domi.
Biggest potential surprise
Forward Noah Gregor was signed to a professional tryout contract Sept. 6 and made an impression early in training camp, primarily because of his speed. There's also a physical aspect to his game; he had 97 hits in 57 games for the San Jose Sharks last season. The Maple Leafs think the 25-year-old, who had 17 points (10 goals, seven assists) last season, hasn't come close to his ceiling yet and feel the best is yet to come. Don't be surprised if he earns an NHL contract and starts the season with Toronto.
Ready to contribute
Knies signed with the Maple Leafs on April 9, one day after his sophomore season ended with the University of Minnesota, and didn't need long to make an impression on his teammates, especially during the playoffs. He had one assist in three regular-season games, then had four points (one goal, three assists) in seven playoff games. At 6-foot-3, 217 pounds, Knies was able to play physically to create space for his linemates. During the offseason he trained with Matthews in Arizona, and the 20-year-old will live at the home of teammate John Tavares, which he did after joining the Maple Leafs last season. Chances are he'll end up playing on a line with one of those two when the season starts, or possibly William Nylander if he remains at center.
Fantasy focus
Matthew Knies, LW (fantasy average draft position: 159.1) -- Knies impressed in a small sample size during the regular season and playoffs, including time on the top line with Matthews. Knies should compete with offseason wing additions Bertuzzi and Domi for top-six minutes on a line with Matthews or Tavares and could gain fantasy appeal if elite forward Nylander remains at center. -- Anna Dua
