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5 major takeaways from Toronto Maple Leafs media day
The Toronto Maple Leafs began training camp on Wednesday by conducting player physicals and granting media availability. While no earth-shattering comments or announcements were made, they gave the media and fans a glimpse of what to expect this season.
With that in mind, here’s a look at five major takeaways from Wednesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs media availability.
5 major takeaways from Toronto Maple Leafs media day
#5. Official training camp roster announced
There are no major surprises regarding the club’s training camp roster. The group features the Maple Leafs' opening night lineup and the Toronto Marlies rosters. This mix of prospects and established stars allows Craig Berube to see his personnel options.
Perhaps the most interesting name mentioned on media day was Jani Hakanpaa. After weeks of speculation regarding his physical condition, the towering defenseman seems fit enough to participate in the Leafs’ preseason activities. However, it remains to be seen if he can crack the opening roster.
#4. Brendan Shanahan seems optimistic about the Leafs’ offseason
During his remarks, Toronto Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan discussed his team's offseason. In short, Shanahan seemed optimistic by stating:
“We had a very busy offseason… but I was very pleased with the work we did.”
That work includes hiring Berube, signing several big-name free agents and passing the team’s captaincy to Auston Matthews. It remains to be seen if those moves translate to success on the ice.
#3. Leafs open camp with plenty of injury concerns
GM Brad Treliving prefaced his Q&A session by providing injury updates. Several Leafs players won’t participate in camp due to various injuries. Three names stand out from that group.
Winger Connor Dewar is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Also, prospects Fraser Minten and Ben Danford sustained injuries during last weekend’s rookie tournament. Minten suffered a high ankle sprain following an awkward fall, while Danford is recovering from a concussion.
There is no known timeline for all three players, but Treliving did state that it could be weeks before they hit the ice again.
#2. No updates on Marner or Tavares's contracts
When asked about contract extensions for Mitch Marner and John Tavares, Treliving shut down any comments by stating:
“I’m going to speak about contracts, right? So, we can throw that one out of the way right off the bat.”
The lack of information regarding Tavares and Marner could become a distraction during the season as fans discuss their futures.
#1. The goal is to win the Stanley Cup
Both players and management echoed one sentiment: Their goal is to win the Stanley Cup. However, the media seemed skeptical regarding the matter. They asked why Toronto is eyeing a title when it has failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs seven times in the past eight years.
While Shanahan downplayed the team’s lack of postseason success, it’s evident the Leafs must make a strong playoff run this season to silence doubters.
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