ESPN’s Craig Custance suggests Kevin Shattenkirk could be open to a long-term deal in Toronto, Morgan Rielly could return as soon as tonight in Dallas, Martin Marincin takes Matt Hunwick’s spot next to Roman Polak in practice, and more in the links.
Leafs Links
Toronto Maple Leafs – Make a Move Now or Wait? (NHL Trade Rumours)
According to ESPN’s Craig Custance, the Maple Leafs are a team that defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk could be interested in signing a long-term deal with. The Leafs could obviously wait until the offseason to take a shot at signing or they could try to trade for him before the deadline, help them gain some playoff experience this year, and try to extend him while he’s there.
Leafs Chats: Taking stock at the All-Star Break (MLHS)
AP: I wouldn’t say I’m ‘concerned’ about the rookie wall, but I do wonder about it. Marner is playing with two vets in a bit of a sheltered role, so he seems the least likely to take a nosedive. Nylander has bounced around a bit, primarily playing on a checking line essentially; how is that going to play out down the stretch here? Matthews is amazing, but he’s also playing with two rookies and we’re seeing other team’s play their best defensive players against him now. The Flyers put Couturier out against Matthews and he did a really good job shutting him down. I’m expecting stuff like that the rest of the way. Beyond that, you have to wonder about the defense holding up down the stretch.
Leafs’ Matthews soaks up fun . . . now back to work (Toronto Star)
Canadiens coach Michel Therrien decided to play Matthews’ line against Crosby’s. “I did it on purpose to put him against Crosby,” said Therrien. “The future of the NHL against a guy who’s the established (star) of the NHL. “(Matthews) is a gifted player. I believe it was a good experience for him. The NHL needs players like him. He impressed me with his skill and his hockey sense.”
Rielly returns to practice as Leafs prepare for second half (TSN)
Rielly took back his regular spot beside Nikita Zaitsev on the top pair Monday, while Marincin shifted down to the third pairing with Roman Polak, suggesting Matt Hunwick (paired with Frank Corrado on Monday) could be a scratch for the second time in his Maple Leafs’ career if Rielly is ready. Babcock said he’d make a decision after Tuesday’s morning skate.
Mirtle: Which line is actually the Maple Leafs first line? (The Athletic)
If I’m an opposing coach, I’m obviously the most threatened by the two lines with Matthews and Marner on them. But Matthews’ unit is a more well-rounded one, with strong possession numbers, shot totals and scoring chance generation. Even though they have slightly fewer points, that is a trend influenced by shooting percentage and doesn’t appear as though it will hold up long term.
Morgan Rielly on the brink of return to game action as Leafs set sights on playoff push (National Post)
Morgan Rielly was skating through the four-day all-star break to be ready for the resumption of play this week, with centre Ben Smith close behind. Unlike their last, lost season, when management and coach Mike Babcock were reaching for the shut-down switch with many injured players en route to a 30th-place finish, no one wants to miss a shift with a post-season berth much more realistic.
Young Leafs might be built to last: Feschuk (Toronto Star)
Mind you, more than once this season members of the Maple Leafs coaching staff have been seen shooing Marner from the practice rink so he might get some rest. Said Marner: “That’s the crazy thing. I could play hockey for seven, eight hours straight and still want to go out and play more.”
Mike Babcock on the stretch drive: “We have competitive young guys who want to be good. I’m not concerned about their energy one bit” (MLHS)
The battle for every inch gets harder and harder. Until you go through it, you don’t know. In saying all that, we have competitive young guys who want to be good. I’m not concerned about their energy one bit, or any of that. Let’s just play. Let’s get excited and get playing.
