Toronto Maple Leafs
· 2026-07-08
Toronto Maple Leafs face a roster crossroads as they evaluate whether to keep Dakota Joshua and Steven Lorentz on a roster that currently sits 15th in the Eastern Conference with a 32-36 record and a seven‑game losing streak. The decision will shape the depth chart before the next game against the Montreal Canadiens on September 19, 2026.
The offseason saw Toronto bring in bigger bodies and seasoned forwards to bolster a bottom‑six that struggled to protect leads. Joshua, a 6‑4 power forward, offers a physical edge, while Lorentz provides a two‑way game and defensive reliability. Both fit the profile of players who can grind out minutes in the playoffs, a priority for a club still chasing its first Cup since 1967.
Every contract at the league minimum eats into the $84.5 million salary cap. Joshua’s deal, though modest, still ties up dollars that could fund a top‑six upgrade. Lorentz’s two‑year pact is cheaper, but the Leafs have younger options like Bo Groulx and Jacob Quillan on entry‑level deals. If those prospects can match production, the team could free up space for a veteran winger or a depth defenseman.
Groulx, a 22‑year‑old with a gritty edge, logged 12 minutes per game in the AHL and posted a 0.45 point‑per‑game rate. Quillan, 21, impressed with a 0.48 point‑per‑game stretch and shows promise on the penalty kill. Their contracts sit well under the cap, offering the Leafs a chance to replace a veteran without a financial hit. The real test will be whether they can sustain that output against NHL competition.
If Toronto decides Joshua’s size isn’t translating into goals or net‑front presence, a trade could be on the table. Moving his contract would open a roster spot and add flexibility for a mid‑season acquisition. Lorentz, with his defensive upside, may be the last man standing if the coaching staff values his ability to shut down opposing lines during critical moments.
Coach Sheldon Keefe will likely keep both players through training camp to see who earns a spot on the fourth line. The Leafs’ current depth chart lists Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares leading the top six, leaving the bottom three to fight for minutes. A decision on Joshua or Lorentz could shift the balance of power‑play units and penalty‑kill pairings as the season approaches.
The Leafs must weigh production, contract cost, and the upside of home‑grown talent. As the club prepares for the Montreal showdown, the roster decision will signal whether Toronto leans on veteran grit or bets on youthful development to break its losing streak.