Toronto Maple Leafs: When will Trevor Moore get his chance?

Trevor Moore returned to the Marlies without getting the chance to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. When will Mike Babcock give the winger his opportunity in the NHL?

Despite Auston Matthews‘ recent injury and William Nylander‘s continued holdout, Mike Babcock preferred to focus on the potential positives. More specifically, he said the absence of Matthews and Nylander provided the opportunity for other players to step up and show what they could do for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

While the theory of this sounds encouraging enough, the reality hasn’t quite been the same. At least not for Trevor Moore.

Moore was called up by the Leafs on Nov. 2, as a result of his play for the Toronto Marlies. So far this season, he leads the Marlies with eight goals and 11 overall points in 11 games.

Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, he didn’t suit up for the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins last Saturday night. And on Wednesday, he was loaned back to the Marlies.

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The question is, when will Moore get an opportunity to make his NHL debut? He needs to be given the chance soon, especially before Matthews (and Nylander?) returns.

Fortunately for the winger, the next potential opportunity should be imminent. After playing in Boston on Saturday night, the Leafs are headed out to the West Coast for three games.

It’s extremely unlikely the Buds will make this trip without an extra forward, meaning Moore should be recalled. Then, it will be a question of if Babcock is prepared to let him actually suit up and see some action.

Certainly, the Thousand Oaks, California native deserves the chance to show what he is capable of at the highest level. And it would add a nice touch, if he were to make his NHL debut in the state where he was born. (Not that Babcock is renowned for being the sentimental type!)

Fair or not, questions remain about Moore’s ability to succeed at the NHL level. This is despite the fact he has a good skill set and some upside, while offering versatility and an excellent work ethic.

However, doubts centre on the former Pioneers’ size. At just 5 ft 10 (or 5 ft 9 depending on which source you consider) and 187 pounds, they are concerns about his ability to withstand the physical demands of the NHL.

Of course, the only way this question can be answered, is by actually letting Moore play and proving himself. Hopefully for the player, Babcock will give him his chance during the upcoming road trip out West.

Moore has shown he can perform consistently at the lower levels; now it’s time to let him off the leash for the Leafs. After everything he has achieved despite being undrafted, he has more than earned it.

When do you predict Moore will get his opportunity with the Toronto Maple Leafs? And when that opportunity arrives, what kind of success do you believe he will have at the NHL level? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.