If there is one thing Toronto Maple Leafs Never seems to be doing, it starts a season. Even in the preseason there is always something: a game that tells us more than we want to admit, a trade rumor that will not disappear, or a line -up twist that fans are wonders.
The maple leaf A tight lost to the senators of Ottawa Last night, with Shane Pinto who closes the deal in the extension. Trade Buzz is once again swarming around Nicholas Robertson and raises questions about Toronto’s ability to develop his own young talent. And just as the training camp found its rhythm, Joseph Woll stepped away for personal reasons, so that the team leaned heavily at its depth in goal.
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Let’s comment on the three storylines in this edition of Maple Leafs News & Rumors.
Item one: Pinto’s OT Heroics Tilt Senators about Maple Leafs on
Five months after Toronto Ottawa put in the play -offs, the senators received a little revenge in Scotiabank Arena. The Maple Leafs jumped out to a 2-0 lead, thanks to the opening of Auston Matthews and a Power-Play goal from Bobby McMann, nicely set up by Rookie Easton Cowan. Matias Maccelli, who tries to earn a place on the top line with Matthews and Matthew Byies, took assists on both goals.
Dennis Hildreby was excellent in the net and stopped all 23 shots that he encountered for two periods before he made way for Artur Akhtyamov. But things are unraveled in the third. Fabian Zetterlund scored Shorted to generate the Ottawa comeback, and with just over two minutes to go, Bond Pinto the game on the Powerplay. Overtime took only 16 seconds before Pinto struck again on an escape to seal the 3-2 victory of the senators.
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It is still preseason, but the game emphasized two truths: the stars of Toronto can give offense. And one or two defensive expires can quickly turn the script.
Item two: When Robertson goes, it is another sign that Toronto cannot develop prospects
The Handelsgatter around Robertson is not leaving. Rumors have linked the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins as possible landing places. With $ 1,825 million on the cap with a limited free desk, he is an interesting gamble.
What is striking is not only the uncertain role of Robertson – it is the pattern. At the age of 23 he is still young, but between injuries and inconsistent use, the Maple Leafs did not have a stable place for him. The organization had a similar experience with Timothy Liljegren: a promising choice of concept that never became entirely what he could have under the Toronto watch. If Robertson moves, it will be another example of the organization struggling to turn its own prospects into daily NHL players.
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For Robertson, a new start is perhaps the best. More ice age, fewer expectations and a chance to play by mistakes can re -create his career. You almost have to believe that it could be what Robertson wishes – at least deep inside. For the Maple Leafs, the movement would not significantly influence the salary cap. Yet it would raise an uncomfortable question: how many home -grown players are actually developed here as impact pieces?
Item three: Will the Maple Leafs depend on depth goalkeepers with Woll Away?
The biggest shock of the camp this week came when Toronto announced Woll left for an indefinite period of time For personal reasons. General Manager Brad Treliving was clear: the priority of the team supports Woll and there is no timeline for his return.
That leaves Anthony Stolarz as the starter, where Dennis Hildreby is likely to slide into the back -uprol. As noted, Hildreby looked sharp against Ottawa on Tuesday evening and played two clean periods, while Arturs Akhtyamov allowed a few in the third but did not look overwhelmed. Both are promising, but leaning on such inexperience is a risk if Woll misses a lot of time.
In the meantime, contract interviews with Stolarz are said to be progressing. Given the situation of Woll, protecting Stolarz can now be less a luxury and more a necessity. For Craig Berube it is an early test of both his depth card and his ability to stabilize the group for those in the net.
What is the next step for the Maple Leafs?
These three storylines – the loss for Ottawa, the uncertain future of Robertson and the absence of Woll – have now established the state of the Maple Leafs: lots of talent, many questions and a small margin for errors. This team can score anyone at a good night, but they continue to chase defensive and shaky special teams.
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The Front Office is now confronted with heavy calls. When Robertson is treated, it again indicates that Toronto does not end the development process with its own players. And in the net, if Woll’s absence extends, Hildreby or Akhtyamov will have to grow up quickly.
The season has not started yet and the Maple Leafs are already being put to the test. Perhaps that is the best – because if there is a lesson from recent years, it is that Toronto cannot afford to wait until April to answer difficult questions.
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