The Toronto Maple Leafs had a few spots to fix headed into the 2022-23 season.
The goalie situation was the biggest one. Perhaps, or perhaps not, that one has been solved (at least it has been answered for now) by signing Matt Murray (who was last with the Ottawa Senators) and Ilya Samsonov (who was last with the Washington Capitals).
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The Maple Leafs Need a Second-Line Left-Winger
But many hockey pundits believe the team’s second line needs a new left-winger to go along with center John Tavares and right-winger William Nylander. There’s some speculation that offensively-minded youngster Nick Robertson, who’s about worn out the AHL, could become that left-winger.
But the knock against Robertson is his size. He’s a bit too Hobbit-like to be effective in digging the puck from the boards or the corners. Nylander’s job seems to be to transition the puck up the ice from defense to offense and then get open.
Of the players who were on that second line, Tavares seems to be the designated puck-digger. And, while he’s willing enough, it’s not his forte. He should be in front of the net where he can use his effective hand-eye coordination to tip pucks home. The line needs a force that’s big, physical, and strong in the corners.
If Not Robertson, Then Who Else?
What are the chances it could be Pierre Engvall? The 26-year-old Engvall had a breakout season with 15 goals and 20 assists (for 35 points) in 78 games. And, he did it playing most of his minutes on one of the best shutdown third lines in the NHL. That’s a lot of offense for a player on a line that has the job of eliminating scoring, rather than scoring itself.
Thus far, Engvall – who has size at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds – has not used his physicality to its full potential. But, he used to play quite physically when he was with the Toronto Marlies. And, if he were tasked with that role – especially if it were in the team’s top-six – is there a chance he’d kill for the chance? One would think.
In addition, Engvall signed a one-year deal at $2.25 million and he’d love to show what he could to earn a higher contract, either with the Maple Leafs or from another team. He’s beginning to find his stride offensively and, if he were put in a role that called for more offense could he deliver it?
Engvall Should Be Motivated, Can He Rise to the Challenge?
Given that he’ll be a UFA (unrestricted free agent) when his new contract expires, he should be motivated to increase his scoring from last season. He said as much in an interview just over a month ago while he was home in Sweden.
When Engvall was asked what he planned for the season, he said he would “definitely do my best to prepare this summer to be as good as I can be for next season.”
Then he added, “I hope and I think that I can score 20 goals.”
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Can Engvall Increase His Physical Play?
It is possible Engvall can increase his physicality. It was one thing he noted in the interview – he wanted to be harder to play against. So he has that characteristic (if not the specific second-line role) on his mind.
The second-line left-wing position might be a good role for Engvall because he doesn’t need to be a finisher, but he’s also shown he can add secondary scoring.
He has the speed to keep up with – or even lift the pace that line plays at. There are a lot of reasons why he might become a value-added piece of the second line. The question is, can he take advantage of the space and jump into the role – that is if that chance is offered?
I wonder what Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe is thinking.
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Afp1961
August 31, 2022 at 8:16 am
Jim – if you may recall last year at this time I died for either Michey or Engvall to be given a chance at the LW2. Both are 200% better than kerfoot. The former was proven to be correct. Engvall on the other hand was an effective 3rd liner. So YES I’m all in on engvall for the LW2 barring a last minute trade.
Bent Jensen
August 31, 2022 at 10:40 am
He have played with Willy before so why not
David Dillon
August 31, 2022 at 3:29 pm
Thanks for the thought provoking article, Jim Sr.! I agree that Engvall maybe the better choice ay LW2. He’s developed well as a defensively responsible asset that can support Tavares and Nylander.
It’s my belief that Marner’s time with Martin way down the line-up was not a demotion, but an opportunity to learn defensive chops from his line-mates. If Robertson wins a place out of camp, he could learn similarly, while also being an offensive terror deep in the mix..
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