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Toronto Maple Leafs: The centre problem

By Omar L

Apr 17, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) leads his teammates to the bench after celebrating scoring against Washington Capitals in the first period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) leads his teammates to the bench after celebrating scoring against Washington Capitals in the first period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Jan 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Frederik Gauthier (33) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Maple Leafs 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Who Do They Have?

The problem isn’t what the Leafs have right now, it’s what they have coming up or rather what they don’t have. If you take a look at the Toronto Marlies, you get the sense of the organizations issue at centre.

Cal O’Rielly was a decent addition to the team at the trade deadline, but was just a loan from the Rochester Americans. Colin Greening is not a centre, but has had to play that position for the entire season.

Sergei Kalinin was another deadline addition, but is a free agent and is doubtful to be resigned. Frequent ECHL call-up Brett Findlay also saw time in the middle for the Marlies.

So if a centre is hurt next season for the Leafs, who gets called up? Asking anyone weeks ago, the answer would be Frederik Gauthier.

The 2013 first round pick has improved significantly from his junior days, both in hockey sense and skating ability. His play was good enough to earn him two stints with the Leafs this season, where he centred the fourth line and was given time on the penalty kill.

With a productive summer, the Goat is a player that most would agree could’ve made the team out of camp. Unfortunately, an injury sustained in the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs will have him out for the next six months.

Excluding Matthews and Gauthier, the Leafs have drafted nine centres since the 2010 NHL Draft:

Carrick, McKegg, Rupert, and Verhaege are no longer with the organization. Cameransei has spent the majority of his time with the Orlando Solar Bears, but has been called up to the Marlies.

When he has, he’s played on the wing. Toninato has peaked the interested of Leafs fans recently, with his play in his final year at University of Minnesota-Duluth.

If Toninato were to sign with the Leafs this summer, his first pro year would be down in the AHL with no guarantee he would be playing centre. Joshua has improved in his second year with Ohio State, but will need to continue to develop.

Nylander was playing centre in MODO, both years with the Marlies, and last season for the Leafs. With Matthews coming into the fold this season, Nylander was moved to the wing and the two made magic. “Matthews to Nylander” (and vice-versa), was a fun thing to say all year.

Brooks has had another spectacular season with the Regina Pats. With the shape of the centre position in the organization, it’s almost a 100 percent guarantee he gets signed to an entry-level contract and plays for the Marlies next season.

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