Main takeaways from camp. Not judging the pro players TOO much because well, it’s preseason:
- Easton Cowan looks like he is going to be a gamer.
- Matthew Knies looks faster. Wouldn’t be surprised if he slumps around the 40ish game mark, but what a steal of a second round pick.
- Minten looks great. Seems to be the type of player who is going to be a better pro than junior. I think he can play in the NHL this season, but don’t think it’s best for the Leafs. I also think it’s slightly better odds that playing junior and (fingers crossed) representing Canada is best for his development.
- Holmberg has not been talked about enough this camp. He should have been given a shot at 3C, and I personally think he is going to eventually force Keefes hand there. Although you never know with coach.
- Reaves looks good. There I said it. He’s not skilled, not the fastest, but can play a good cycle game and muck it up. Seems far better than Simmonds ever did in a Leafs jersey. Am I crazy?
- Jarnkrok looked good in his first preseason game. Brad traded for him once, he must see something.
- Gregor brings an element of speed that’s noticeable almost every shift. We’ve been too slow the last few years. I like him.
- Not crazy about how Bert has looked with m and m at all. Let’s see how they look in regular season. So far has been underwhelming.
- Because of all of the above. Sam Lafferty is my cap casualty if I had to make a tough decision. I can see the logic in sending Holmberg down to keep Lafferty for Asset management. But this is almost the opposite of the Minten situation. I think Holmberg can greatly benefit from NHL games and Lafferty seems like a bigger version of Kerfoot, to me anyways.
- Defense looks suspect at best. We’ve been a good defensive team over the last few years since Keefe has taken over. I think a lot of that is due to forward play. Wouldn’t be surprised at all if this is Brads #1 priority.
In conclusion, Leaf’s are the best. Habs and Sens stink. Go Leafs Go!
