By Stan Smith and The Old Prof
After what seemed to be one of the longest summers (Toronto Maple Leafs-related), the preseason training camp begins with check-in and medicals happening today.
As a result, there are tidbits of information trickling out.
Maple Leafs’ Injury Update
Mike Augello reported an update on players coming into camp injured. The biggest news is that Timothy Liljegren will be out until November following hernia surgery. Placing him on LTIR (long-term injury reserve) will give the Maple Leafs $1.4 million in temporary relief from the salary cap. It might also mean that Victor Mete will have a good chance to find a home on the team’s blue line – at least, right off the bat.
Pierre Engvall suffered a knee injury in the offseason and is expected to miss most of training camp; however, he could return before the start of the regular season.
Young goalie prospects Joseph Woll (offseason shoulder surgery) and forward Mikhail Abramov (back) are also injured.
No Word on Rasmus Sandin
Rasmus Sandin remains unsigned and is not on the training camp roster. We can’t find any word on whether or not Sandin is even in the city of Toronto or not. We predicted a deal would get done either just before or at the start of training camp. The clock is ticking.
Is Head Coach Sheldon Keefe’s Job on the Line?
Michael Traikos has tweeted a Las Vegas line about who the first NHL coach to be fired would be. Sheldon Keefe tops the list at 13 to 2 odds.
Is General Manager Kyle Dubas Far Behind?
Chris Johnston posted two tweets about Kyle Dubas and his contract situation with the Maple Leafs. He enters the last year of his deal and it appears there are no negotiations happening between him and the Maple Leafs.
Good News For Adam Gaudette
Tweets are coming out fast and furious from the opening day of Maple Leafs’ training camp. One listed players who came into camp heavier than last season. At the head of it was Adam Gaudette, who clocked in at 194 pounds.
For those who are unaware, Gaudette had been battling a stomach ailment for years that prevented him from gaining weight. He was listed on hockeyreference last season at 170 pounds. Once they discovered his issue, they began treating it. It seems to have worked.
Seeing him come into camp almost 25 pounds heavier, which is a much better weight for his 6-foot-1 frame; and, assuming, because he’s fighting for his NHL career on a one-year league minimum “show me” contract with the Maple Leafs, that’s all muscle and not fat, it’s a great sign for both Gaudette and the Maple Leafs.
Training Camp Roster Is at 54 Players
There are 54 players on the Maple Leafs’ training camp roster. In this mix are 28 forwards, 16 defensemen, six goalies and four injured players.
Note: I just want to say thanks to Stan Smith for his continuing help and education about all things Toronto Maple Leafs. Stan and I have been co-authoring work on The Hockey Writers for about a year now. He’s a long-time, avid Maple Leafs’ fan and he knows tons more than I do about the history of the team. I’m hoping Stan and I will begin to write more together on this site as I work to get this new site off the ground. Thanks, Stan.