Alex Kerfoot, Toronto Maple Leafs
Kerfoot is one of many talented forwards within the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup. The Leafs will need to look for the Vancouver native to repeat similar offensive totals to the prior 2021-22 season. Last season, the center put up 13 goals along with 38 assists in all 82 games.
The former fifth-round pick will play a productive role on the Leafs' third-line. It is essential for Kerfoot to have a good season if he wants to stay in Toronto. As mentioned numerous times, Toronto is on the brink of a cap hit, while Kerfoot possesses an AAV of $2,700,000.
The Maple Leafs are once again contending for the Stanley Cup this season and have shown the true depth of their forwards this preseason. Kerfoot, a likely regular in the system, will bring a two-way game to the lineup.
Givani Smith, Detroit Red Wings
Without a solidified position in the NHL, forward Givani Smith looks to prove his worth to earn a full-time roster spot. Smith plays an aggressive, power-forward type of offensive game and is no stranger to sticking up for teammates.
Last season, the Toronto native split time between the NHL and AHL. With the Red Wings, Smith suited up for 46 games, recording seven points and 108 penalty minutes.
Smith is currently fighting for a top-twelve spot within the Red Wings' forward rotations. Smith stated, "I feel pretty good. There are a lot of guys here, obviously, and everyone knows that. The biggest thing I can focus on is really just playing my game and staying true to myself and to everything that I have put in this summer. "
Morgan Frost, Philadelphia Flyers
Time is ticking for the former first-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers. The former OHL superstar has yet to produce decent numbers at the pro level. Frost played the majority of the past season with the Flyers, scoring 16 points in 55 games.
The Flyers hold a depleted roster, which will likely give the youngsters an opportunity to earn positive ice time and development. Frost is likely to make the lineup, but only time will tell if he makes a dramatic impact on the league.
The 23-year-old has played a combined total of 77 games in the National Hockey League, scoring five goals and assisting on 11 plays.
Sean Monahan, Montreal Canadiens
The veteran forward will hope that a change of scenery is all he needs. Monahan was traded this summer in an essential cap dump for the Calgary Flames. Monahan has struggled throughout the past few seasons, playing bottom minutes on the fourth-line.
It is important for Monahan to start the season strong, as Montreal is one of many teams in the NHL with an extremely talented group of young, skilled forwards.
Monahan will look to improve from his last year's total of eight goals and 13 assists in 65 games. The former first-round pick has played in a career-high 656 games in the league.