Toronto Maple Leafs: Players to Watch During Training Camp
Apr 5, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul (19) congratulates forward Peter Holland (24) on his winning goal against the Ottawa Senators at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Ottawa 3-2 in an overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Babcock is ready to give players on the Toronto Maple Leafs a fresh start and there will be some looking to make a statement early during training camp
With the Toronto Maple Leafs opening training camp, there is no doubt this season’s team is going to look different than in previous years. The only returning top six forwards from last year’s team are Tyler Bozak, James van Riemsdyk, Joffrey Lupul and Nazem Kadri.
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Many were expecting Lupul and Bozak to be moved during the offseason. However, any deal involving those players may have forced the Leafs to retain salary, give up draft picks or prospects. which would have been counter-productive towards the rebuild.
Instead, the Leafs chose to keep both, hoping that either their trade value increases or they can get better under Mike Babcock. Also back is Dion Phaneuf, to lead on defence, after reports indicated Toronto were actively shopping their captain.
The only question with the goaltending is whether Jonathan Bernier will be able to earn the starting job? Or will Babcock give James Reimer a fair share of the goaltending duties?
Instead of focusing on what we know already going into training camp, there are many players that pose intriguing options for the Leafs. Here are some to keep an eye on, during the coming weeks.
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