Former Ladder
Thanks Noob Noob
They have 13 forwards without him, but if there's an injury, or trade, or they want to do 14 forwards and 7 D, he'll be a good be for a spot. He's 23 so at worst, they won't worry about development, and they can keep him around as a 13th forward.
A lot will depend on how and where they play Jost/Compher/Soda. If they're all at center, and Soda is on the 4th line, then Toninato will either be a scratch or play wing.
If there's an opening as 4th center, then there aren't a lot of other obvious options. He'll be competing with Beaudin, Grimaldi, and Nantel for a spot. Beaudin is 20 and a first year pro who they likely want to start in the AHL regardless, and Grimaldi who's not a great fit on a 4th line anyway.
Nantel is probably his biggest competition. He's got one year pro under his belt, but he's still only 21, and they won't want him sitting around as a healthy scratch. If it's close, and both look fairly ready, the edge will go to Toninato.
Nantel is not even close to NHL ready, if he ever will be. He has a lot further to go than Toninato.
Beaudin is his biggest competition for his style and role but Toninato probably gets the first look due to being older and Avs' property for less time plus maybe some handshake promises to get him to sign.