Toronto Maple Leafs Least Likely to Be Back in 2015-16

With the 2014-15 NHL regular season about to end, the speculation about the Toronto Maple Leafs roster for next season begins in earnest.

Change is coming, which could mean several key Leafs are playing elsewhere next fall. It has become clear that this core cannot win consistently at the NHL level. Some of the players have good years ahead of them, just not in Toronto.

Let's take a look at the Maple Leafs least likely to be in Toronto in 2015-16.

Tyler Bozak, Centre

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Tyler Bozak is not a poor centre; he's just not a No. 1 NHL centre, especially on a top club. Bozak could be a very good No. 2 centre in more of a supporting role.

He's improved his foot speed over the past few seasons, and it is clear he can play at a high level offensively. The bigger issues are his commitment to the defensive side of the game and his ability to elevate the play of less talented wingers.

At 29, he still has some good seasons ahead of him. He's notched 230 points in 377 games. Most teams could use more depth at the centre, so expect a few of them to be interested in the University of Denver product.

Joffrey Lupul, Winger

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At 6'1" and over 200 pounds, Joffrey Lupul combines good size with a soft pair of hands and has scored goals everywhere he has played.

He's also an underrated playmaker, notching over 200 assists in his NHL career. Health is the major concern with the talented winger. Lupul has not played more than 70 games since the 2008-09 season. He has just 65 total points in the last two seasons.

At 31, Lupul doesn't fit well with a rebuilding team. He may not have much tread left on the tires, but he could be a good fit as a second-liner on a perennial contender such as the Chicago Blackhawks or former team the Anaheim Ducks.

Dion Phaneuf, Defenceman

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It seems highly unlikely that Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf will be back with the team in 2015-16. As NHL insider and Sportsnet broadcaster Nick Kypreos recently reported, Phaneuf is still upset about not being traded to the Detroit Red Wings at the trade deadline. It's clearly time to part ways.

Phaneuf could bolster a very good team as a No. 2 defender or as one of the best second-pairing defencemen in the NHL. Unless he's traded to one of the league's weak sisters, his role as a No. 1 defender seems over.

Phaneuf has 399 points in his NHL career. Not many current defencemen can boast those numbers. Expect the former Calgary Flames star to be traded this summer.

Phil Kessel, Winger

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With a cap hit of $8 million on a contract that runs until 2021-22, Phil Kessel will not be easy to move. Few players can snipe like he can, though, and if he's able to just play his game alongside a premier pivot, he could be a 50-goal scorer.

His 59 points in 2014-15 has been a huge disappointment for Leafs fans, and it is painfully obvious that he has been unable to inspire his teammates to play good hockey.

Kessel is not a natural leader and doesn't appear to aspire to lead the team in any way. However, Kessel's talent cannot be questioned, and it would be fascinating to see him playing on a strong team surrounded by equally skilled forwards.

Kessel is the least likely of this group to be moved, but seeing him switch to a team with substantial cap space could happen.

All stats can be found on NHL.com unless noted otherwise.