The Toronto Maple Leafs underwent a significant overhaul in their lineup for the 2023-24 season. Ten players from last season’s opener are no longer with the team, indicating a substantial change in the roster. When the Maple Leafs faced off against the Montreal Canadiens for their first game of the 2022-23 season, 19 players took to the ice. However, the upcoming season’s lineup against the Canadiens on October 11 is expected to look considerably different.
During the 2022-23 season opener, the Maple Leafs had the following line combinations:
First Line: Michael Bunting-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner
Second Line: William Nylander-John Tavares-Denis Malgin
Third Line: Pierre Engvall-Alex Kerfoot-Calle Jarnkrok
Fourth Line: Zach Aston-Reese-David Kampf-Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Of the 19 players listed above, a staggering 10 players are no longer part of the team. This represents a significant number of players who have moved on from the Maple Leafs organization. Let’s take a look at what happened to these players who started the 2022-23 season.
Michael Bunting, whose contract expired at the end of the season, was not offered another contract with the Maple Leafs. However, he quickly found a new home with the Carolina Hurricanes, signing a three-year, $13.5 million deal.
Denis Malgin didn’t last the season with the Maple Leafs as he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in December 2022. Unfortunately, Malgin couldn’t replicate his success in Europe and decided to return to Switzerland. He signed a five-year contract with the Swiss National League’s ZSC Lions, where he has performed exceptionally well.
Pierre Engvall was traded to the New York Islanders in February 2023 in exchange for a third-round draft pick. He had a productive season with the Islanders, setting a new career high in goals. Engvall then signed a seven-year, $21 million contract, highlighting the Islanders’ belief in his abilities.
Alex Kerfoot’s salary cap hit became too burdensome for the Maple Leafs, leading to his departure. He signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Arizona Coyotes and will be playing for them in the coming season.
Zach Aston-Reese is currently without a contract, but there are rumors that he might receive tryout offers, particularly from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Aston-Reese’s physical playing style makes him an appealing prospect for several teams in the NHL.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel struggled to find his place with the Maple Leafs and was placed on waivers, eventually being picked up by the Washington Capitals. The Capitals recognized his speed, tenacity, and fearless forechecking and signed him to a one-year contract extension.
Jake Muzzin’s season was cut short due to a cervical spine injury, which may potentially end his career. After evaluating his condition in February, the Maple Leafs decided to place him on long-term injury reserve.
Justin Holl, who wasn’t regarded highly by Maple Leafs fans, signed with the Detroit Red Wings after his contract expired. The Red Wings offered him a three-year deal worth $3.4 million per season, providing him with a significant upgrade.
Rasmus Sandin was traded to the Washington Capitals during the trade deadline, where he made an immediate impact. He recorded three points in his debut, becoming the first defenseman in Capitals history to achieve this feat. Sandin is expected to play a crucial role as a top-four defenseman for the Capitals this season.
Both Matt Murray and Jake Muzzin are out indefinitely due to injuries, with Murray also being placed on long-term injury reserve.
The Maple Leafs have gone through a transformation in their lineup, although the core players remain unchanged. Many depth and middle-six players have moved on to other teams, adding new dynamics to the upcoming season. Former teammates will have the opportunity to face each other during the season, providing exciting matchups on the ice.
