Overview of the Maple Leafs’ 2025 Opening Night Roster
The Toronto Maple Leafs revealed their opening night roster for the 2025 season with a few expected selections and a handful of surprising inclusions. The release also highlighted key waiver claims and a couple of reassignments designed to balance development with immediate NHL needs.
Key Forwards: Surprises and Shifts
The forward group features a mix of established stars and emerging contributors. Notably, the Maple Leafs carried 14 forwards on the roster, with two newcomers catching the eye:
- 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 unexpected inclusions on opening night are Nicholas Robertson and Jacob Quillan. Robertson’s spot on the roster surprised some observers given earlier speculation about a potential cap move or a trade to clear room for younger players. Instead, he earns a role on the roster and is likely to slot in on the third line, contributing versatility and scoring depth.
Jacob Quillan’s addition was interpreted by some as a cap-management blip, though he impressed in the preseason. The move provides the Leafs with a cost-effective depth option and a first-call-up candidate should injuries arise, notably with a pending absence for Scott Laughton that could accelerate his development.
Defensive Core: Stability with a Twist
On defense, Toronto opted to start with seven blueliners. The established top six remains largely intact, while a notable positional shift could influence early-season chemistry:
- Jake McCabe – Chris Tanev
- Morgan Rielly – Brandon Carlo
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Simon Benoit
- Extra: Philippe Myers
The rotation emphasizes continuity from last season’s finish, with McCabe and Tanev anchoring the top pairing and Rielly paired with Carlo. The third pairing features Ekman-Larsson and Benoit, who will play on their off sides (Benno’s right), a move that could present early adaptive challenges but also adds experience and size. Myers serves as the seventh defenseman, stepping in as needed.
Goaltending Situation: A Temporary Duo
Toronto’s crease presents a short-term configuration as Joseph Woll remains on a leave of absence with an uncertain return. The Maple Leafs brought in James Reimer on a professional tryout, but he did not stay with the team. In the wake of that decision, the team announced a goalie duo for opening night:
- Starter: Anthony Stolarz
- Backup: Cayden Primeau
Stolarz is slated to carry the majority of the workload, with Primeau backing up and allowing for a flexible rotation during three early-season back-to-backs. Dennis Hildeby will begin the season in the AHL but remains a potential depth option should injuries or performance gaps arise.
What It Means for the Season Ahead
With opening night set for Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 7:00, the Leafs face a busy start to the schedule, including a home-and-home against the Detroit Red Wings. The roster construction reflects a balance between proven contributors and fresh faces, signaling a willingness to invest in both immediate results and long-term development. Leafs Nation should watch tightly how Robertson and Quillan adapt to NHL pace, as well as how the Ekman-Larsson/Benoit pairing jells on their off sides.
Upcoming Schedule and Expectations
As the season opens, Toronto will be evaluating lines, depth players, and the goaltending rotation in real-time. The early weeks will be telling for whether this opening roster can sustain momentum, handle injuries, and push for a deep playoff run.
