"The Toronto Maple Leafs have finalized their 2025-26 roster as the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens draws near. A few last-minute twists from untimely injuries, tight salary cap constraints, and unexpected waiver-wire pickups forced some tough decisions and reshaped the final lineup in ways few predicted, especially among the forwards. Now that the dust has settled, let's break down the biggest winners and losers from a dramatic end to the preseason that left fans buzzing and a few players blindsided."
"He was on the outside looking in for most of training camp and the preseason and appeared destined to be a healthy scratch for opening night versus Montreal. Now, the Maple Leafs' projected lineup sees him on the third line with fellow offensive-minded player Max Domi and the bruising Dakota Joshua, who will provide protection and a needed heavy hand for his smaller linemates."
"A late preseason injury to Scott Laughton forced the Leafs to do some shuffling of their bottom six forwards. With David Kampf clearing waivers and being optioned to the Toronto Marlies, Domi's services are required at center. Maccelli, the offseason acquisition who was an afterthought with the Utah Mammoth by the end of 2024-25, now occupies the prestigious spot as Auston Matthews' right winger."
The Maple Leafs finalized their 2025-26 roster amid last-minute injuries, salary-cap pressure, and waiver-wire activity that forced difficult decisions. Nick Robertson earned a third-line spot alongside Max Domi and Dakota Joshua after strong preseason play and camp fluctuations. A Scott Laughton injury and David Kampf's demotion required forward shuffling, elevating Matias Maccelli to Auston Matthews' right wing. Jacob Quillan unexpectedly made the NHL roster as an extra forward, avoiding the minors despite limited playing prospects. The final lineup changes surprised some players and generated excitement among fans heading into the opener.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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