The Toronto Maple Leafs’ problems seem never-ending. They are a high-event team that scores a lot—24 goals, the fifth-most in the NHL—but also gets scored on frequently, with 25 goals against, the sixth-most. So far this season, stars Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies are doing their part offensively. However, beyond these key players, some NHL analysts believe the team is lacking depth. Concerns have also been raised about the team’s speed and the overall toughness in the lineup.
### Too Many Fourth-Liners? Nick Kypreos Weighs In
On a recent episode of *The Kyper and Bourne Show*, Nick Kypreos voiced his concerns about the Maple Leafs’ depth, specifically mentioning newcomers Nic Roy and Dakota Joshua.
“If Nic Roy and Dakota were supposed to shore up the third line, it hasn’t happened yet,” Kypreos said to his co-hosts during the October 22 episode. “I told you guys I was a little concerned before the season started. I’m just saying that I saw challenges.”
Co-host Justin Bourne offered a note of patience, reminding Kypreos that it can take time for new linemates to develop chemistry. “Here’s the thing, their lineup’s like 30 percent new,” Bourne responded. “You said it could take 20 games (to find chemistry).”
Bourne then questioned the team’s whole depth chart: “What’s the second line? What’s the third line? The fourth line?”
That’s when Kypreos shared his perspective on the current lineup construction.
“They don’t have a third line,” he stated bluntly. “They have a first (line). Matthews and Knies is a first line. Tavares and Nylander, second line, and then they’ve got a bunch of fourth-liners. I’m sorry, who looks like a third liner for you?”
Kypreos added: “I see Nic Roy playing 10-11 minutes and not really having a huge impact on games—that’s the look of a fourth-liner.”
### Depth Issues Extend Beyond Just the Third Line
Kypreos believes the Leafs’ problems go well beyond their top four players. Although Bourne expressed more patience, noting that “I think [Roy] has been fine,” and highlighting positives from players like Calle Jarnkrok and Michael McCarron, he did voice criticism toward one particular player: Nick Robertson.
Robertson, who signed an extension this offseason amid rumors that the team wants to trade him, “has not done anything to deserve to continue to be in the lineup here,” Bourne said.
### Steve Lorentz: Fourth-Line Center or Not?
Another area of debate centers around the team’s fourth-line center. Kypreos questioned the decision to slot Steve Lorentz in that role.
“I’m watching a fourth line centered by Lorentz. Tell me why,” Kypreos said. “Does he look like a centerman to you? Why pick Steve Lorentz as a centerman over (David) Kampf? One’s a natural centerman, and the other one you have to pull off the wing.”
Bourne explained that coaching changes can shift player roles. “Some guys, when there’s a new coach, get new opportunities, and some guys fall out of favor. For whatever reason, Berube just does not like him.”
David Kampf was a reliable bottom-six center for the Maple Leafs for a few years, but with new management perspectives, he was waived before the regular season and currently plays for the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate.
### Looking Ahead
It’s still early in the season—just seven games in—and no team should be in panic mode yet. However, the clock is ticking, and some players need to step up and contribute more consistently if the Maple Leafs hope to overcome their depth challenges and build a more balanced lineup moving forward.
https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/slammed-over-nic-roy-dakota-joshua/