theScore is previewing each team leading up to the 2016-17 season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't expected to win much this season, but an injection of blue-chip prospects has them headed in the right direction.
Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and Nikita Zaitsev all appear ready to contribute at the NHL level.
Here's how the roster looks as the season opener approaches:
Forwards
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
| Leo Komarov | Nazem Kadri | Milan Michalek |
| James van Reimsdyk | Tyler Bozak | Mitch Marner |
| Zach Hyman | Auston Matthews | William Nylander |
| Matt Martin | Peter Holland | Connor Brown |
- Matthews begins the season as the third-line center but should have no problem surpassing Bozak before long.
- The Hyman-Matthews-Nylander line has looked great in the preseason, so it's not inconceivable that the unit stays together whether Matthews plays in the top or bottom six.
Defense
| LD | RD |
|---|---|
| Martin Marincin | Morgan Rielly |
| Jake Gardiner | Roman Polak |
| Matt Hunwick | Nikita Zaitsev |
- Zaitsev joins the Leafs after spending seven seasons in the KHL. The 24-year-old played the last three campaigns with CSKA Moscow, notching 26 points in 46 regular-season games and 13 more in 20 playoff contests.
Goalies
| G |
|---|
| Frederik Andersen |
| Jhonas Enroth |
- Andersen finally an undisputed No. 1 starter after being acquired in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks. Enroth has proven to be a capable backup who can step into the lead role if necessary.
NHL Depth Charts
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF | CGY
CAR | CHI | COL | CBJ | DAL
DET | EDM | FLA | LA | MIN
MTL | NSH | NJD | NYI | NYR
PHI | PIT | OTT | STL | SJ
TB | TOR | VAN | WSH | WPG
