The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ problems are never-ending. They are a high-event team that scores a lot (24 goals, fifth-most in the NHL) and gets scored on a lot (25 goals against, sixth-most).
So far this season, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies are doing their job producing. After that? Some NHL analysts believe the team lacks depth.
Some have been critical of the team’s speed, and others have been vocal over the lack of actual toughness in the lineup. Now, Nick Kypreos believes they have too many fourth-liners on the team.
New Maple Leafs, Nic Roy & Dakota Joshua Haven’t Made Their Mark
It’s only seven games into the regular season, but the Maple Leafs are having issues with their depth. On a recent episode of The Kyper and Bourne show, Nick Kypreos slammed the team for their lack of impact players outside of their four best. Specifically, he pointed at the performances of Nic Roy and Dakota Joshua.
“If Nic Roy and Dakota were supposed to shore up the third line, it hasn’t happened yet,” Kypreos said to his co-hosts during the October 22nd episode. “I told you guys I was a little concerned before the season started. I’m just saying that I saw challenges.”
His co-host, Justin Bourne, highlighted the need for patience. He reminded Kypreos that it could take some time for new linemates to find chemistry.
“Here’s the thing, they’re lineup’s like 30 percent new,” Bourne responded. “You said it could take 20 games (to find chemistry).”
Bourne followed up by questioning the team’s depth.
“What’s the second line?” Bourne asked. “What’s the third line? The fourth line?”
That’s when Kypreos revealed what he thinks of the lineup that the Maple Leafs have constructed.
“They don’t have a third line,” Kypreos said. “They have a first (line). Matthews and Knies is a first (line). Tavares and Nylander, second (line), and then they got a bunch of fourth liners. I’m sorry, who looks like a third liner for you?”
“I see Nic Roy playing 10-11 minutes and not really having a huge impact on games, that’s the look of a fourth-liner.”
The Problems Don’t End There For the Maple Leafs
GettyNick Robertson
Kypreos believes the Maple Leafs have significant issues beyond their top four players. Bourne expressed more patience with the situation.
“I think he’s been fine,” Bourne said of Roy’s play to date. “I think Jarnkrok’s been good, I’ve liked McMann so far.”
However, there is one player that Bourne was critical of. A player who just signed an extension in the offseason, with rumors swirling that the team is looking to move him elsewhere. That player is Nick Robertson.
“I think Robertson has not done anything to deserve to continue to be in the lineup here.”
Steve Lorentz Over David Kampf?
GettySteve Lorentz
Kypreos doesn’t think that Steve Lorentz should be the team’s fourth-line center. He believes there is a better option available to them.
“I’m watching a fourth line centered by Lorentz. Tell me why,” Kypreos said. “Does he look like a centerman to you? Where is picking Steve Lorentz as a centerman over (David) Kampf?”
“One’s a natural centerman, and the other one you got to pull off the wing.”
“It seems some guys, when there’s a new coach, get new opportunities,” Bourne responded. “And some guys fall out of favor. And for whatever reason, Berube just does not like him.”
David Kampf was a reliable bottom-six forward for the Maple Leafs for a few years. However, as Bourne noted, new coaches bring new opinions on players. Kampf was waived before the regular season and is currently playing for the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
It’s nearing the end of October, and no team should be in panic mode right now. However, the clock is ticking, and some players need to kick it into high gear.
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