Edited Aug. 25, 2019 at 9:53 a.m.
Obvious Forwards: Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares, Kapanen, Johansson
On the bubbe: Kerfoot, Mikheyev, Hyman.
This is a serious debate. On one hand you want centre depth, and as of right now I would argue the Leafs don't have the organizational centre depth to let Kerfoot go. However the same is to be said about the LW. Hyman is on the bubble because really, it depends on how good Mikheyev translates to the NHL. If this goes as well as people say it will, Hyman is asked to waive his NTC. If he does not this arguement is moot.
Assuming Hyman does, it brings us to Kerfoot and Mikheyev. Now if Mikheyev comes as advertised, we have ourselves a top 6 LW. Does this trump centre depth? I think it does. 3rd line centres can be found via FA, or a quick trade. The further arguement against Kerfoot here is he will be on an expiring deal. (We will assume Mikheyev sign an extension similar to that of Johansson and Kappy). So for the sake of cap certainty, you go Mikheyev and roll the dice.....
7th Foward Protection in order or performance priority: Mikheyev, Kerfoot, Hyman.
Obvious Defensemen: Reilly, Dermott.
Bubble: really no one. Liligren doesn't play this year. I doubt Sandin does either, if for nothing less than fraft exemption. Safe to assume Barrie isn't back because this Leafs flat out can't afford him. Unless Ceci blows people's minds year, we can assume he walks as well - because if the reall Cevi shows up, he priced himself out of Toronto too. Marincin and Holl aren't even on the radar.
This organizationally leaves Ben Harpur. Honestly, I don't mind him in a bottom 6 role at all. But is that something I want to protect?? If there is an opportunity to upgrade the Leafs do so, no question.
3rd Defenseman: outside the organization
Goalie: well obviously Anderson barring a complete explosion.