Toronto Maple Leafs

Is Maple Leafs’ Pontus Holmberg the Second-Line Answer?

The Toronto Maple Leafs need a second-line left-winger. Why might Pontus Holmberg be a potential second-line answer?

by
Old Prof
August 21, 2022

Assuming that Alex Kerfoot leaves before the season begins, and that’s a pretty good assumption, one of the big problems the Toronto Maple Leafs must fix is who will be the second-line left-winger. Right now, it’s a soft spot in the team’s lineup. Furthermore, the Maple Leafs’ salary-cap issues prevent them from seeking a high-value (and high contract) addition.

Is there anyone within the organization who might be an answer? One potential fill-in for that role is a young prospect, Pontus Holmberg.

What Is Holmberg’s History?

The Maple Leafs drafted Holmberg low in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft (in the sixth round, 156th overall). However, Holmberg didn’t sign an entry-level contract (ELC) immediately in 2018. Instead, it wasn’t until just over a year ago (June 2021) that the young Swedish put ink on paper. It was a two-year contract with an AAV of $827,500.

🖋 We’ve signed forward Pontus Holmberg to a two-year entry level contract. #LeafsForever

Details » https://t.co/JqCZbePk3C pic.twitter.com/HeAjZhNB63
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 4, 2021

After his signing, the 23-year-old went home to Sweden on a loan to play in the SHL. There he had the best offensive season of his career. He scored 11 goals and added 30 assists (for 41 points) in 46 regular season games with Växjö Lakers HC. Remember, this solid play must also be considered within a context. The fact is that Holmberg was playing against older and more experienced competition.

Why Is Holmberg an Exciting Prospect?

There are several interesting things about Holmberg. Most recently, when he came to the AHL Toronto Marlies after his season in the SHL ended, he hit the ice skating. He seemed to need no time at all to adjust to the North American ice and the difference in play. Although he might need some minor adjustments to maximize his play in the North American game going forward, he probably won’t need many.

With the Marlies, he scored two goals and added the same number of assists (for four points) in six games. He’s developed quickly and well over the past few seasons. There’s every chance he hasn’t peaked yet.

Third, Holmberg won’t need to be plunked into the Maple Leafs’ fourth line. In fact, it’s almost a waste to place him there. Instead, he’s developing into a legitimate top-six player. The question is “Will the Maple Leafs will give him a chance this season to show what he might do higher in the lineup?”

It’s not out of the question. The truth is that Michael Bunting only had a few NHL games under his belt, and he adjusted well (and quickly).

Why Should the Maple Leafs Take a Long Look at Holmberg?

Would the Maple Leafs be willing to take a flyer on the young Holmberg out of training camp? There are several reasons why the Maple Leafs might be willing to do so with Holmberg.

First, he’s cheap. If he were to make the team out of training camp, he’s on a contract that would pay him $827,500 on the season. While that’s not the NHL league minimum, it’s close. Even if the Maple Leafs make salary-cap moves before the regular season begins, they would benefit from another inexpensive contract in place when the season begins.

Second, Holmberg is already 23 years old. He’s hitting his prime physical abilities. He might be worth taking a look at anywhere in the lineup.

Congratulations to Pontus Holmberg on being named to Sweden’s Men’s Olympic hockey team.#Beijing2022 | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/zuWz6gcDTl
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 21, 2022

Third, thus far Holmberg shows the ability to make those who play with him better. Can he raise his level of play to compete for a middle-six role? If he does, he might be an injury replacement for someone on the team’s third line.

Fourth, Holmberg has a solid hockey IQ. He’s skilled at reading the opposition and seeing the entire ice. That’s why he registered 30 assists last season in the SHL.

Fifth, Holmberg plays well under pressure. He was a contributing member of the SHL championship team and was named the team’s playoff MVP in 2020-21.

Six, if Holmberg jumped to the team’s second line, talk of moving Mapple Leafs’ captain John Tavares to the left-wing position might not be an issue. The team could leave Tavares, who’s one of the team’s best faceoff players, in the center and could bookend him with the two Swedes – Holmberg and William Nylander.

Who Knows What Will Happen Before the Puck Drops on Opening Night?

With Holmberg, the Maple Leafs have an organizational option. They’d be able to steer away from bringing in another contract (with its salary-cap consequences).

Two questions remain. Can Holmberg rise to the undertaking during training camp? And, even if he did, would the Maple Leafs risk having a player plucked off waivers to allow him to remain with the roster?

From my perspective, I’d love to see some of the youngsters have a chance to show what they can do.