After last season, when Leafs management hinted at significant changes, it was easy to speculate that Mitch Marner, with just a year left on his contract and a disappointing playoff performance, could be on the move. However, his no-movement clause prevented any trade discussions. As Marner enters his ninth season with the Leafs, he faces increased scrutiny without a contract beyond this year. Will he show up to camp in good spirits, eager to prove his worth for a new deal, or will he carry a chip on his shoulder due to summer trade rumors and criticism compared to other key players? His attitude in the early days of camp will be telling.
Additionally, Marner finished last season playing alongside Max Domi but is expected to reunite with Auston Matthews at camp. Meanwhile, Max Pacioretty arrives on a professional tryout, and GM Brad Treliving seems optimistic about finalizing a contract later. The Leafs will likely assess how much cap space they can allocate to Pacioretty after camp, similar to their previous approaches with PTOs like Zach Aston-Reese and Noah Gregor. Pacioretty will need to demonstrate he can contribute effectively in a top-nine role and maintain his speed as he nears 36. If he struggles, it raises questions about his contract prospects.
In terms of roster opportunities, will Pacioretty get a chance on the top line with Matthews and Marner or play alongside William Nylander? As for 19-year-old Cowan, his chances of making the team depend largely on his performance. Despite competition on the depth chart, if he excels during camp and the preseason, the Leafs might give him a shot at the regular season.
Nylander is set to begin camp at center again, this time without the half-hearted approach of last fall when the experiment was cut short after two exhibition games. New head coach Craig Berube, who doesn’t have the same history with Nylander as Sheldon Keefe, is expected to provide the time needed for Nylander to adjust. If successful, this shift could allow John Tavares to move to a third-line center role, easing his workload.
Finally, the Leafs spent the summer evaluating Hakanpää’s health before offering him a one-year contract instead of the initially speculated two years. The 6-foot-7 defenseman, who dealt with knee issues last season, must prove he can stay healthy throughout camp and be ready for the season, as his fitness will impact the overall defense lineup.
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