Official Training Camp Thread

[Ciao]

I don't have too much optimism for the upcoming season, but I think I'll still watch the Leafs' games and try to enjoy them anyway.

I could picture Matthews and Marner taking a step back and falling off last year's pace. Still good, but not great.

Tavares will be a year older, and despite his best training regimen he will still be a year older.

Nylander I would count on to be as good or better than last year, which is just good but not great.

Rielly I think will have his best year ever, but even at that he is not the dominant defenceman the Leafs need.

The rest are just guys. Some will do better, some worse, but I don't see any game breakers in there. The Leafs will do well to make the playoffs.

Don't plan the parade.

Hockey is an entertaining sport. It can be fun to watch even if your team doesn't win every game. I plan to enjoy the ride.

I'm not actually as pessimistic as my "depressing", satirical post might sound.

There is some truth in what I've said, but the point is that every team has weaknesses and you don't need to have all-stars at every position to look forward to watching the next season

Furthermore, making the playoffs can never be taken for granted -- even for the very best teams! That's why they play the games -- and why they are called "games".

Ease up on the expectations, and just enjoy

 

[zeke]

Yes, they will ice a team, but they’re in a bit a bind and will have to shed some salary. I don’t believe they have the waiver exempt flexibility they had in past years.

What waiver exempt flexibility? We lose a bunch of guys on waivers every year. I'm sure we'll lose a couple of gaudette malgin Clifford simmonds benn mete when we waive them this year, though others will get through.

And this time we have more talented young waivers exempt players than ever with Robertson steeves holmberg abruzzese kokkonen villeneuve.

The only guy to worry about losing for nothing might be Anderson. I'd hope we give him a shot before waiving him. But it's possible he's no good anyways.

 

[Nineteen67]

What waiver exempt flexibility? We lose a bunch of guys on waivers every year. I'm sure we'll lose a couple of gaudette malgin Clifford simmonds benn mete when we waive them this year, though others will get through.

And this time we have more talented young waivers exempt players than ever with Robertson steeves holmberg abruzzese kokkonen villeneuve.

The only guy to worry about losing for nothing might be Anderson. I'd hope we give him a shot before waiving him. But it's possible he's no good anyways.

Thanks, I see all the waiver exemptions now. They have plenty of guys that can move up and down on off days.
Yes I expect them to lose a couple of guys from that list

 

[Fogelhund]

What waiver exempt flexibility? We lose a bunch of guys on waivers every year. I'm sure we'll lose a couple of gaudette malgin Clifford simmonds benn mete when we waive them this year, though others will get through.

And this time we have more talented young waivers exempt players than ever with Robertson steeves holmberg abruzzese kokkonen villeneuve.

The only guy to worry about losing for nothing might be Anderson. I'd hope we give him a shot before waiving him. But it's possible he's no good anyways.

Anderson had a very good season with the Marlies last year, and he's kind of at that make it, or break it stage. He's certainly grown offensively, and he's always been decent defensively. He's not big, but then again 190lbs isn't real small either at 5'11".

It's going to be a very interesting camp here, with few spots, and a lot of competition.

I think guys like Abruzesse, Holmberg, McCann are destined for a year on the Marlies.

I believe that we are going into camp looking like this.

Bunting Matthews Marner
xxx Tavares Marner
Engvall Kampf Jarnkrok
xxx xxx xxx

Possible 4C's
Malgin
Steeves
Gaudette

Those fighting for LW spots
Kerfoot
Roberston
ZAR
Seney


Those fighting for RW spot
Malgin
NAK
Gaudette
Anderson
ZAR

Of course, we could see things go a different way too in the bottom six

Engvall Jarnkrok xxx
ZAR Kampf NAK --> For a shutdown 4th line

If we go with that kind of lineup, then I think we are looking at Malgin/Anderson/Kerfoot/Robertson/Gaudette as possible wingers to play with Engvall and Jarnkrok.

I think Gaudette ends up being claimed off waivers.

Preseason guess...

Bunting Matthews Marner
Robertson Tavares Nylander
Engvall Jarnkrok Malgin/Anderson
ZAR Kampf NAK
Anderson/Malgin

Gaudette lost on waivers, Kerfoot moved.... of course, this is based on hopes and dreams that Robertson, Malgin and Anderson are ready to play..

 

[Nineteen67]

The FirstUp crew is talking about the lack of enthusiasm and even apathy regarding the Leafs right now.

 

[al secord]

The genius that is Carlo Colaiacovo is my go-to for measuring the pulse of Leaf Nation.

 

[ACC1224]

The FirstUp crew is talking about the lack of enthusiasm and even empathy regarding the Leafs right now.

What are they basing that on?

 

[Notsince67]

What are they basing that on?

Their need for attention

 

[zeke]

Anderson had a very good season with the Marlies last year, and he's kind of at that make it, or break it stage. He's certainly grown offensively, and he's always been decent defensively. He's not big, but then again 190lbs isn't real small either at 5'11".

It's going to be a very interesting camp here, with few spots, and a lot of competition.

I think guys like Abruzesse, Holmberg, McCann are destined for a year on the Marlies.

I believe that we are going into camp looking like this.

Bunting Matthews Marner
xxx Tavares Marner
Engvall Kampf Jarnkrok
xxx xxx xxx

Possible 4C's
Malgin
Steeves
Gaudette

Those fighting for LW spots
Kerfoot
Roberston
ZAR
Seney


Those fighting for RW spot
Malgin
NAK
Gaudette
Anderson
ZAR

Of course, we could see things go a different way too in the bottom six

Engvall Jarnkrok xxx
ZAR Kampf NAK --> For a shutdown 4th line

If we go with that kind of lineup, then I think we are looking at Malgin/Anderson/Kerfoot/Robertson/Gaudette as possible wingers to play with Engvall and Jarnkrok.

I think Gaudette ends up being claimed off waivers.

Preseason guess...

Bunting Matthews Marner
Robertson Tavares Nylander
Engvall Jarnkrok Malgin/Anderson
ZAR Kampf NAK
Anderson/Malgin

Gaudette lost on waivers, Kerfoot moved.... of course, this is based on hopes and dreams that Robertson, Malgin and Anderson are ready to play..

I don't think Gaudette or Malgin are realistic C candidates. They don't really play C anymore.

I think the trio of Holmberg Abruzzese Steeves have a better shot at seeing time at C.

Though I think Jarnkrok at C is most likely.

What are they basing that on?

 

[justashadowof]

Are TSN still broadcasting Leafs' regional games this season?

 

[ToneDog]

Anderson had a very good season with the Marlies last year, and he's kind of at that make it, or break it stage. He's certainly grown offensively, and he's always been decent defensively. He's not big, but then again 190lbs isn't real small either at 5'11".

It's going to be a very interesting camp here, with few spots, and a lot of competition.

I think guys like Abruzesse, Holmberg, McCann are destined for a year on the Marlies.

I believe that we are going into camp looking like this.

Bunting Matthews Marner
xxx Tavares Marner
Engvall Kampf Jarnkrok
xxx xxx xxx

Possible 4C's
Malgin
Steeves
Gaudette

Those fighting for LW spots
Kerfoot
Roberston
ZAR
Seney


Those fighting for RW spot
Malgin
NAK
Gaudette
Anderson
ZAR

Of course, we could see things go a different way too in the bottom six

Engvall Jarnkrok xxx
ZAR Kampf NAK --> For a shutdown 4th line

If we go with that kind of lineup, then I think we are looking at Malgin/Anderson/Kerfoot/Robertson/Gaudette as possible wingers to play with Engvall and Jarnkrok.

I think Gaudette ends up being claimed off waivers.

Preseason guess...

Bunting Matthews Marner
Robertson Tavares Nylander
Engvall Jarnkrok Malgin/Anderson
ZAR Kampf NAK
Anderson/Malgin

Gaudette lost on waivers, Kerfoot moved.... of course, this is based on hopes and dreams that Robertson, Malgin and Anderson are ready to play..

I hope Robbie can make the jump or is at least given a good opportunity. I don't mind if they give Malgin a good look.

It is hopes and dreams for Murray and Samsonov as well. Not exactly what you want for a team that has aspirations of winning a SC but when you have a 60-70 goal unicorn and a potential 100+ point magician, you gotta roll the dice.

 

[Oscar Peterson]

The only guy to worry about losing for nothing might be Anderson. I'd hope we give him a shot before waiving him. But it's possible he's no good anyways.

What were his numbers like in the few NHL games he played last year? I’ve always been very unimpressed when we’ve called him up but a few guys here who watch the Marlies more seem to be pretty high on him.

 

[Fogelhund]

I hope Robbie can make the jump or is at least given a good opportunity. I don't mind if they give Malgin a good look.

It is hopes and dreams for Murray and Samsonov as well. Not exactly what you want for a team that has aspirations of winning a SC but when you have a 60-70 goal unicorn and a potential 100+ point magician, you gotta roll the dice.

My hopes for the goaltending, is that Woll emerges as a legit goalie, and ends up as the starter, while Murray ends up on LTIR. We'd end up with $5.6 mil in cap space, after moving Kerfoot and Holl out at the start of the year. Woll was decent with us last year, in his four games. 3-1, with a .911 SV %. @ 24 years old, 6'4"... it's getting near that time when goalies emerge, and I think one injury to Murray is his opportunity.

 

[Fogelhund]

What were his numbers like in the few NHL games he played last year? I’ve always been very unimpressed when we’ve called him up but a few guys here who watch the Marlies more seem to be pretty high on him.

He played 5 games. 8 minutes per game. Was on ice for one goal for, one against. Decent possession while on the ice. Decent team results, while playing with Kampf. He didn't provide any real offense results, (but playing with Kampf.....) but then he played 40 minutes the whole season... so a lucky bounce, and suddenly his stats look pretty good/60. It's up to him and his camp performance, and he'll get playing time. He has to make an impact in camp, and during exhibitions games, but he should be in the mix as an option for the starting roster. His growth with the Marlies, suggests he's ready. You know, controller of your own destiny.

 

[zeke]

What were his numbers like in the few NHL games he played last year? I’ve always been very unimpressed when we’ve called him up but a few guys here who watch the Marlies more seem to be pretty high on him.

Personally i've liked him in the tiny glimpses we've seen. I like his angles and body movements. But the sample is too tiny to know anything for sure.

 

[Nineteen67]

What are they basing that on?

Personal opinion and underwhelming off-season. Lack of media attention at this point of the summer probably has something to do with it, as well.

I think the consensus believes they’ll easily make the playoffs, but the fans and media are waiting for spring.

Personally, I’ll still attend a few Lightning , Predators and possibly Vegas games, but Im not going out of my way to schedule trips around the Leafs road schedule.

 

[justashadowof]

Personal opinion and underwhelming off-season. Lack of media attention at this point of the summer probably has something to do with it, as well.

I think the consensus believes they’ll easily make the playoffs, but the fans and media are waiting for spring.

Personally, I’ll still attend a few Lightning , Predators and possibly Vegas games, but Im not going out of my way to schedule trips around the Leafs road schedule.

The hockey media has disappeared to cottage country right after free agent day for over a decade now but it has been especially noticeable this summer. Near silence for 2 months in Leafs' land like they don't care about promoting the team any longer, like they expect the people to follow regardless.

 

[andora]

The hockey media has disappeared to cottage country right after free agent day for over a decade now but it has been especially noticeable this summer. Near silence for 2 months in Leafs' land like they don't care about promoting the team any longer, like they expect the people to follow regardless.

Yeah really.. how hard would it be to pump out some fluff pieces

- mini profiles every couple weeks about this years draft picks
- writeups on marlies looking to graduate
- prospects to watch this coming year and what leagues to follow
- fluff crap about current leafs and what they do in the off season

Maybe they do this i dont know

 

[JSn0w93]

I truly think this team wins the division this year if it can get even .910 goaltending. I think our tandem will be better than people suspect.

 

[ACC1224]

Personal opinion and underwhelming off-season. Lack of media attention at this point of the summer probably has something to do with it, as well.

I think the consensus believes they’ll easily make the playoffs, but the fans and media are waiting for spring.

Personally, I’ll still attend a few Lightning , Predators and possibly Vegas games, but Im not going out of my way to schedule trips around the Leafs road schedule.

I hadn't really noticed myself but I don't pay attention to the media. It's been quiet as far as moves go but that was expected this off season.

 

[Nineteen67]

The hockey media has disappeared to cottage country right after free agent day for over a decade now but it has been especially noticeable this summer. Near silence for 2 months in Leafs' land like they don't care about promoting the team any longer, like they expect the people to follow regardless.

likely quieter now because last season ended so much later

 

[LeafSteel]

The genius that is Carlo Colaiacovo is my go-to for measuring the pulse of Leaf Nation.

I could barely cope with Carlos inane takes but after Landsberg left, Carlo became absolutely intolerable.

Glad I shut off all sports talk shows. It’s just mindless noise to me now and doesn’t enhance the experience in any way. Just a bunch of talking heads spouting off and talking out the sides of their asses.

 

[CanadasTeam]

Where is this years camp being held at -- will it only be at SBA/somewhere local?

 

[zeke]

Glad I shut off all sports talk shows. It’s just mindless noise to me now and doesn’t enhance the experience in any way. Just a bunch of talking heads spouting off and talking out the sides of their asses.

 

[ACC1224]

Travis Yost: All eyes on Toronto’s second line | TSN

Though we may think of William Nylander as being one of the Maple Leafs’ best wingers and much more entrenched on the second line than Alexander Kerfoot, it’s Kerfoot so far who has had better relative results with No. 2 centre John Tavares, writes Travis Yost.

www.tsn.ca