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Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Players to Watch in First Preseason Game

By David Morassutti

Mar 29, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Michael Grabner (40) celebrates with defenseman Frank Corrado (20) and right wing Connor Brown (16) after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers in the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Michael Grabner (40) celebrates with defenseman Frank Corrado (20) and right wing Connor Brown (16) after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers in the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Sep 22, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Andrew Nielsen (58) plays the puck against Montreal Canadiens center Christian Thomas (20) during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew Nielsen

Ever since Nielsen was drafted in the third round by the Leafs in 2015, he has made steady improvements to his game. This included a breakout campaign last season in the WHL, scoring 70 points in 71 games.

Nielsen did make the move to the AHL with the Toronto Marlies at the end of the season, where he played five games and collected two assists. At 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, he has the size on the backend that the Leafs want, along with a growing offensive game.

The Marlies lost both T.J. Brennan and Stuart Percy this summer, and Carrick will likely make the move to the Leafs. As a result, Nielsen should have a prominent role in the AHL.

He had a strong showing at the rookie tournament, which certainly got the attention of Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe. Now he will need to take the next step, carry that momentum into training camp and make a good impression on the Leafs coaching staff.

Obviously though, playing at a rookie tournament is different from facing NHL players in preseason. As such, this will be a big test for Nielsen.

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