Practice Lines
Leafs working in two groups today. First group (of 24) essentially the NHL team. Scott Harrington sitting right now as potential 7/8 D.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) September 28, 2015
Leafs lines:
JVR-Bozak-Boyes
Matthias-Kadri-Lupul
Komarov/Spaling-Holland-Winnik/Parenteau
Panik-Arcobello-Grabner— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) September 28, 2015
Could be opening night D:
Hunwick-Phaneuf
Gardiner-Rielly
Marincin-Polak
Harrington-Robidas https://t.co/Oec9WxCEPl— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) September 28, 2015
A lot remains up in the air, but there are a couple of line patterns throughout camp. Babcock appears to like JvR-Bozak and Kadri-Lupul as his forward “pairings” in the top six, which is nothing new for Leafs fans. Matthias played on that line in the opening preseason game in Ottawa and it had success, but you could probably rotate a Winnik in there and have similar results.
Who fits into the right wing of Bozak and JvR is up in the air, but, fresh off signing a one-year contract, Boyes is getting a look.
On the back end, Babcock seems to like the pairs of Hunwick-Phaneuf and Gardiner-Rielly. The latter pairing has produced positive results in the recent past: As a pairing, Rielly and Gardiner had a 51.6 CF% in 316 even-strength minutes last season, compared to 47.3% and 49.3% respectively when apart.
Mark Fraser released, signs with Sens
Leafs confirm Mark Fraser released from PTO
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) September 28, 2015
It appears the audition helped Fraser get himself a two-way NHL deal with the Senators.
Monday Links:
- Sean Fitzgerald: Maple Leafs kick radio crew off team charters to road games (Toronto Star)
Toronto Maple Leafs management won’t allow its radio broadcast crew to travel on team charters this season, a new development that will leave long-time play-by-play voice Joe Bowen calling road games off a television feed inside a Toronto studio.
I - Chris Johnston: Signing with Leafs more than just a homecoming for Boyes (Sportsnet)
Boyes has produced at least 35 points in nine straight 82-game seasons and the organization felt he showed good smarts during training camp. Don’t be surprised if he winds up in an important role.
I - Ryan Wagman: Top Ten Prospects – #4 Toronto Maple Leafs (Hockey Prospectus)
The beating heart of the Toronto system consists of their past two first round picks, both offensively gifted forwards in Williams Nylander and Mitch Marner, who were selected with top eight picks in their respective draft years and are both presently ranked in the Hockey Prospectus top 10.
I - Staff: Toronto Maple Leafs sign Brad Boyes to one-year contract (MLHS)
Boyes had the strongest recent numbers among the invitees at camp, having scored 14 goals and 38 points last season. His career production is superior to both Glencross and Setoguchi, to go along with solid career possession and scoring chance numbers.
I - Staff: Leafs announce third round of cuts: Marner to junior, Glencross and Setoguchi cut loose (MLHS)
In addition to goaltender Rob Madore returning to Marlies camp, Mitch Marner has been returned to junior while Curtis Glencross and Devin Setoguchi have been cut loose from their Player Tryout Agreements.
