Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 Players Fighting for a Spot

As the Toronto Maple Leafs are now beginning their exhibition season, most players are assured of their spot in the lineup when the regular season comes around. The goaltending, the defense and the first two forward lines are set but there is one spot open on each of the third and fourth lines. The left wing position on the third line and the center position on the fourth line are very much open for the taking.

Vying for these positions are rookies and players that have one season in the league hoping they can prove they belong, hoping they have what it takes to make the roster that will open the regular season on October 6th.

Who are these four players? Lets find out.

Nazem Kadri

2010-11 Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies

2010-11 Stats: Maple Leafs - 29 games played, 3 goals, 9 assists, 12 points, Marlies - 44 games played, 17 goals, 24 assists, 41 points

Nazem Kadri went into the preseason with the third left wing position his to lose. With his performance at the end of last season, Kadri showed that he could stick with the team and play well.

In the first preseason game against Ottawa he showed some good chemistry with Tyler Bozak and Colby Armstrong, which could go a long way to keeping his spot. He was also the best Leaf on the ice in the first game against the Flyers. My prediction is that he will be the one to win the spot.

Matt Frattin

2010-11 Team: University of North Dakota

2010-11 Stats: 44 games played, 36 goals, 24 assists, 60 points

Certainly the most talked about prospect over the the summer, people have said that Matt Frattin would be ready to make the Leafs' roster as soon as the start of the season. He still might be, but with Kadri performing the way he is, he really is going to have to pick up his play in order to have a shot.

If he doesn't, he will start the season with the Toronto Marlies before giving it another go next year. He will also be one of the first call-ups in case of injury.

Darryl Boyce

2010-11 Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies

2010-11 Stats: Maple Leafs - 46 games played, 5 goals, 8 assists, 13 points, Marlies - 35 games played, 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points

In the battle for the fourth line center spot, Darryl Boyce is the incumbent and as a result should hold a little bit of an edge. Playing in 46 games last season and registering 13 points doesn't give him the advantage in offensive output, but because Ron Wilson knows his style of play and how hard he works, he will have the best chance at keeping the position.

Phillippe Dupuis

2010-11 Team: Colorado Avalanche

2010-11 Stats: 74 games played, 6 goals, 11 assists, 17 points

The newcomer to the group, Phillippe Dupuis is coming off his rookie season with the Colorado Avalanche. He has a slight advantage over Boyce in the offensive categories so, even he doesn't make the team out of training camp, he will definitely see time with the Leafs this season.