Leafs Training Camp Opens

[Frank E]

Maybe also worth mentioning that a GM would never say anything along the lines of "We know what our roster will be, we're just praying guys don't get hurt and use training camp to find their legs" even if that's true 95% of the time.

"Yeah, we're just going through the motions here and there's maybe, like, one or 2 spots up for grabs...but even then, someone would really have to sh*t the bed and force our hand.  It's pretty cute though that some of these guys think they have an actual shot at a roster spot."

 

[ZBBM]

Let's say that for whatever reason Marner is OK in camp, or even in a few real games, but not really outstanding ... does anyone think there's any chance they send him back to junior?

 

[TBLeafer]

Lou stated that as of now only 10 Leafs are going into camp with signed NHL contracts.  Says all remaining spots are open and up to the players to earn, be they vet or rookie.

How what now?

http://www.torontosun.com/2016/09/25/opportunity-knocks-with-plenty-of-open-spots-on-leafs-roster

?The younger group will have an opportunity that they will never have again,? Lamoriello said on Sunday. ?There?s only 10 players on the opening roster from last year that are here so there?s lots of positions open.

That makes more sense...there's isn't anyone in camp without a contract except for the PTO boys.

Sure, when I said NHL contract, I was excluding things like an ELC or 2 way deal.  But that quote is what I meant.

You shouldn't do that.

Sorry, I misspoke.  Just basically went off that Lou quote I read this morning.  I didn't count Lupul, Robidas or Horton, either.

 

[Tigger]

Let's say that for whatever reason Marner is OK in camp, or even in a few real games, but not really outstanding ... does anyone think there's any chance they send him back to junior?

Sure, there's a chance. I think he'll have to do worse than just 'ok' though for that to be a meaningful chance.

 

[Kin]

Let's say that for whatever reason Marner is OK in camp, or even in a few real games, but not really outstanding ... does anyone think there's any chance they send him back to junior?

Do I think it would be the right thing to do? No. Do I think there's a chance this group does it? Yes.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Let's say that for whatever reason Marner is OK in camp, or even in a few real games, but not really outstanding ... does anyone think there's any chance they send him back to junior?

Unless he absolutely craps the bed, I think he's pretty much guaranteed to stick around until at least the World Juniors. Then maybe they consider releasing him for that and sending him back to the OHL afterward. But the 40-game mark will probably be more important to the Leafs than the 9-game mark, just like the Oilers with Draisaitl.

 

[Kin]

Unless he absolutely craps the bed, I think he's pretty much guaranteed to stick around until at least the World Juniors. Then maybe they consider releasing him for that and sending him back to the OHL afterward. But the 40-game mark will probably be more important to the Leafs than the 9-game mark, just like the Oilers with Draisaitl.

This isn't the way we saw Babcock use his 4th line last year but Marner is genuinely one of the rare cases where I think playing 7-8 minutes a night and practicing with pros would be beneficial to his development vs. the OHL.

 

[Tigger]

Kind of what Boston did with Seguin, initially at least.

 

[Kin]

Kind of what Boston did with Seguin, initially at least.

Yeah or, to take it back even further, what they did with Thornton.

 

[ZBBM]

Unless he absolutely craps the bed, I think he's pretty much guaranteed to stick around until at least the World Juniors. Then maybe they consider releasing him for that and sending him back to the OHL afterward. But the 40-game mark will probably be more important to the Leafs than the 9-game mark, just like the Oilers with Draisaitl.

This isn't the way we saw Babcock use his 4th line last year but Marner is genuinely one of the rare cases where I think playing 7-8 minutes a night and practicing with pros would be beneficial to his development vs. the OHL.

I think I agree, Nik.  But are there any other options?  I am not up on this stuff, but could they lend him (or whatever the hell they call it) to a Euro team?

 

[CarltonTheBear]

This isn't the way we saw Babcock use his 4th line last year but Marner is genuinely one of the rare cases where I think playing 7-8 minutes a night and practicing with pros would be beneficial to his development vs. the OHL.

While I'd like to see him playing a slightly larger role on say Bozak's line, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see something like that. And I don't think it'd be that unusual for Babcock, it'd essentially be how he used Brad Boyes last season. Boyes averaged the least amount of even-strength ice-time among regular forwards last season, plus a little on the PP. He played primarily on the 4th line with Froese and either Holland or Matthias on the other wing.

 

[Kin]

I think I agree, Nik.  But are there any other options?  I am not up on this stuff, but could they lend him (or whatever the hell they call it) to a Euro team?

We'd talked about it before and I don't know where we came down on whether it was possible but I remember still thinking that would be a bad idea vs. keeping him in a limited role with the Leafs. There'd be no guarantee a Euro league team wouldn't bench him if he struggles, you'd be asking him to get used to a new country/culture and he wouldn't be getting feedback in terms of practicing/conditioning from Leafs staff.

 

[Coco-puffs]

I think I agree, Nik.  But are there any other options?  I am not up on this stuff, but could they lend him (or whatever the hell they call it) to a Euro team?

We'd talked about it before and I don't know where we came down on whether it was possible but I remember still thinking that would be a bad idea vs. keeping him in a limited role with the Leafs. There'd be no guarantee a Euro league team wouldn't bench him if he struggles, you'd be asking him to get used to a new country/culture and he wouldn't be getting feedback in terms of practicing/conditioning from Leafs staff.

I'm 100% positive it's Leafs or London for Marner.  He can't be loaned to a European team.  Its part of the NHL-CHL agreement.

 

[Highlander]

And whats he gone to benefit from London, with the Leafs 4th line protected minutes.  If you are old enough to remember Lanny McDonalds first season with the Leafs. I swear he used to fall down at least once on every shift. I was thinking what the heck is wrong with this dude. Next season I can't remember him falling down once.

 

[Kin]

Cuts!

https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/maple-leafs-trim-training-camp-roster/c-282170000

The following nine players have been reassigned to their CHL teams: Stephen Desrocher (Kingston), Martins Dzierkals (Rouyn-Noranda), Tye Felhaber (Saginaw), Nikita Korostelev (Sarnia), Nicolas Mattinen (London), Keaton Middleton (Saginaw), JJ Piccinich (London), Jack Walker (Victoria) and Tyler Wong (Lethbridge).

The following 14 players have been reassigned to the Toronto Marlies (AHL): William Corrin, Taylor Doherty, Eric Faille, Brett Findlay, TJ Foster, Jeff Glass, Jon Jutzi, Daniel Maggio, Mason Marchment, Ryan Massa, Brenden Miller, Ty Stanton, Ethan Werek and Chase Witala. The Toronto Marlies will open their training camp on Monday, October 3.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Leafs announce their first round of cuts, sending players back to the CHL/AHL. No real surprises here:

 

[Kin]

Carlton a little slow, probably going to get cut.

 

[Britishbulldog]

Carlton a little slow, probably going to get cut.

;D

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Carlton a little slow, probably going to get cut.

My post showed more heart, I'll be fine.

 

[herman]

Adam Brooks still on board, and Neilsen too! Ultimately I think they get AHL time this year, but still good that we will get a closer look.

A bit surprised Dzierkals didn't get a longer look (I have him pitted against Timashov in my mind). Similar game to Soshnikov and Hyman but not nearly as polished.

No contract for Tyler Wong, which is a bit of a bummer.