Toronto Maple Leafs' Forward Dilemma: Should They Stay or Should They Go?

If given more ice time and decent linemates, the Czech is a good bet to approach the 35-40 point range this year. With his shot, 20 goals is not out of the question.

I'd like to see him play with fast players like Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin, but we'll see how it plays out.

Versatile speedsters

Mikhail Grabovski, Niklas Hagman, Nikolai Kulemin, Matt Stajan

This group is comprised of young, fast players with offensive ability who could be slotted anywhere from the first line to the third. The grit and defensive ability of the latter three means that they could fit in just about anywhere.

The word on Grabovski is that he has to play on the top two lines to be effective. A very fast player with great hands and lots of skill, Grabby has just 27 NHL games under his belt.

He tends to be knocked off the puck easily, so his contribution to the Leafs this season remains to be seen. But if he can find a home on the second line with some fast, big linemates, he could put up around 35 points.

Hagman defines the word versatile. Another fast player with lots of grit who is smart defensively, he's basically a poor man's Jere Lehtinen (with less finish).

Hagman's coming off a 27-goal season, which means he could play on the first line. But it's more likely he forms part of a two-way checking unit with offensive ability. Look for the Finn to see lots of time on the PK as well.

Kulemin comes to the NHL with a decorated Russian resumé and a reputation as a very balanced player. A speedy sniper who loves to hit, he can also take care of his own end and kill penalties.

The second line seems like the most probable fit for Kulemin, though his gritty side could land him on the third unit. Or, if he has a good camp, he might even find himself taking passes from Antropov on the first line.

Oh, Matt Stajan, how I love thee. Equally praised and maligned by Leafs fans, Stajan has established himself as one of the team's best defensive forwards and penalty killers, and he isn't devoid of scoring ability either.

He's done quite well as the third-line centre and will probably start there this season, but depending on training camp, there's a chance he could leapfrog guys like Grabovski and Kulemin on the depth chart. Consistency and a better shot seem to be all that's holding Stajan back from becoming an offensive threat.

Guaranteed role players

Jamal Mayers, Dominic Moore

Mayers' acquisition from St. Louis at the draft is an instant infusion of leadership, grit, and accountability. He is the consummate grinder, and it's safe to say he will be a fixture on the Leafs' third line all season long.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?