Overview: Leafs Reveal 2025 Opening Night R roster
The Toronto Maple Leafs released their opening night roster for the 2025 season, with a handful of expected inclusions and a few surprises that sparked conversation among fans. Notably, John Tavares was briefly listed could have been a headline moment, but the team confirmed the final roster on the eve of the season. Alongside the roster, Toronto pulled off a couple of waiver claims and adjustments that signal how they intend to shape the lineup early in the campaign.
Key roster decisions
The forward group features a mix of veterans and young players, with a notable emphasis on depth and development. The Leafs opted to send a young forward, Easton Cowan, to the AHL to continue his growth, reserving a more experienced slot for the opening night. The forward corps on opening night is projected as follows, with two extra forwards kept as healthy scratches:
- Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Matias Maccelli
- Bobby McMann – John Tavares – William Nylander
- Dakota Joshua – Max Domi – Nicholas Robertson
- Steven Lorentz – Nicolas Roy – Calle Järnkrok
- Extras: Sammy Blais and Jacob Quillan
Two players who generated buzz after preseason performances—Nicholas Robertson and Jacob Quillan—earned spots on the opening night roster. Robertson’s inclusion suggests he’ll likely slot into the third line, while Quillan’s call-up serves as an economical cap move and provides a path for future call-ups should injuries arise.
On the development front, Cowan’s assignment to start the year in the AHL may help him refine his game against a slightly less daunting competition, allowing him to be ready for meaningful NHL action later in the season.
Blue line: seven defensemen to start
Toronto kept seven defensemen for the season’s start, a decision that aligns with the need for flexibility and depth in a demanding schedule. The defense pairings project as a familiar core, with one notable experiment on the horizon:
- Jake McCabe – Chris Tanev
- Morgan Rielly – Brandon Carlo
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Simon Benoit
- Extra: Philippe Myers
Ben Danford did not crack the opening night lineup and instead will return to junior duty, given Simon Benoit’s return from injury. Benoit, paired with Ekman-Larsson, will be working on their chemistry on the right/left side as Benoit takes on a new position. Myers serves as the off-day seventh blueliner, ready to step in as needed.
Goaltending picture: Stolarz in, Primeau as backup
With Joseph Woll unavailable for the start of the season, Toronto looked to bolster the crease through a professional tryout that did not result in a long-term fit. The goaltending duties for the opening night are as follows:
- Starter: Anthony Stolarz
- Backup: Cayden Primeau
Primeau was acquired on waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes and will serve as the primary understudy while Woll remains away. The Leafs face a busy early schedule with three back-to-backs in the first five weeks, underscoring the importance of a reliable tandem with plans to bring Dennis Hildeby into the mix in the AHL if needed. The situation will be one to monitor closely as Woll’s status evolves.
Season outlook and opening schedule
The Leafs open the season at home against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 7:00 PM. They will then embark on a home-and-home series with the Detroit Red Wings, a classic early test that will help define early-season momentum. For Leafs Nation, the excitement is palpable: with a mix of experienced leadership and budding talent, Toronto aims to maximize its depth while navigating a rigorous 2025 schedule.
Bottom line
Toronto’s 2025 opening night roster reflects a balanced approach—preserving veteran reliability, embracing young talent, and ensuring depth across forwards, defense, and goaltending. The early moves, including waivers and minor lineup shuffles, indicate a focus on smarter cap management and player development, while keeping the core competitive for a playoff push this season.
