Many things remain on hiatus as the pandemic continues, but NHL hockey is not one of them.
All 31 teams have now officially opened up their respective training camps ahead of a shortened 56-game season beginning on January 13th.
-
Ep 76: Oilers, Flames, Winter Classic Jersey, Avs, and More
by Full Press Coverage on November 23, 2023 at 6:42 am
Jim and Chris are back for another edition of Full Press Hockey Weekly to […]
A lot of things will be different this year, but the Toronto Maple Leafs’ need to win their first playoff series since 2004 remains the same.
The first order of business is, of course, constructing the most optimal roster possible over the course of just 10 days. I believe the new formula calls for one dash of skill followed by two scoops of truculence?
Without official exhibition games, players vying for lineup spots will have to rely on strong showings during drills and intra-squad scrimmages – just to stand out.
Here are five players who especially need to make some noise – if they want to keep their hopes for consistent playing time alive.
#Leafs lines at practice (via team’s PR):
Thornton−Matthews−Marner
Vesey−Tavares−Nylander
Mikheyev−Kerfoot−Hyman
Barabanov−Spezza−SimmondsRielly−Brodie
Muzzin−Holl
Lehtonen−Bogosian
Sandin−DermottAndersen
Campbell— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) January 5, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
1) Travis Dermott
2019-20 Season: 56 GP – 4 G – 7 A – 11 P – 49.8 CF% – 52.7 oZS%
NHL Career: 157 GP – 9G – 32A – 41P – 53.2 CF% – 54.4 oZS%
For Travis Dermott, this year is the definition of put-up or shut-up. Defenseman typically have a longer development timeline than forwards, but the Newmarket, Ont. native is now 24 years old and has yet to force his way into the top-four.
His defensive efficiency and ability to drive play fell off a cliff last season, evidenced by a CF% over three points lower than his career average – despite the fact that he continued to receive a favorable amount of offensive zone starts.
Some of the decrease can be attributed to the higher quality of competition Dermott was up against last year. Morgan Rielly and Jake Muzzin both missed significant amounts of time due to injury, and he was forced into a top-four role out of necessity.
Now, he’ll have to fight tooth-and-nail just to see regular playing time at all. The emergence of Justin Holl and the arrivals of T.J. Brodie and Mikko Lehtonen will make things very difficult – not to mention Rasmus Sandin and Zach Bogosian.
So far, he’s spent the first days of training camp on the fourth pairing. If he needed further evidence about the insecurity of his roster spot, well, there it is.
One thing Dermott has going in his favour is his price – a one-year deal with a $874K cap hit. Next summer will also be his first time as an arbitration-eligible player, so there’s more than enough incentive to perform.
Otherwise, it may be time to book a one-way ticket to Seattle.
Keefe on Travis Dermott: “I think he looks really good. The situation he’s in here now has nothing to do with his offseason. We’ve added to our depth on defence, and my message to him is to be ready. We’re looking for him to latch onto a clear identity of who he is.”
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) January 5, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
2) Pierre Engvall
2019-20 Season: 48 GP – 8 G – 7 A – 15 P – 51.9 CF% – 43.3 oZS%
NHL Career: 48 GP – 8 G – 7 A – 15 P – 51.9 CF% – 43.3 oZS%
It’s rather odd to see Pierre Engvall practicing with the second group at camp, given his emergence as a roster regular last season.
Being on the outside looking in has mostly come as a result of the new roster additions, although the young Swede also didn’t do himself any favors by only recording one point in his final 21 regular season games last year.
Leafs’ management will certainly be tempted to keep him on the taxi squad, given the fact that he’s waiver-exempt.
On the other hand, the Leafs’ bottom-six is far from settled and their need for depth up the middle is no secret. Especially following the injury to Alex Kerfoot this morning (he’s now listed as day-to-day).
Engvall’s faceoff abilities (39% over 105 attempts) could use some work, but he’s a proficient penalty killer who can consistently use his long reach to frustrate opponents in the defensive zone.
He also drove play at a decent rate last season – posting a 51.9 CF% while only starting 43.3% of his shifts in the offensive zone. There’s a lot to like about Engvall’s all-around game, and it’s not hard to envision him starting the year at 4C.
When are the Leafs gonna trade Pierre Engvall and a 3rd for Trevor Zegras
— Nik Antropov (@NHLNyIander) December 29, 2020
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
3) Rasmus Sandin
2019-20 Season: 28 GP – 1 G – 7 A – 8 P – 54.7 CF% – 56.1 oZS%
NHL Career: 28 GP – 1 G – 7 A – 8 P – 54.7 CF% – 56.1 oZS%
Rasmus Sandin, alongside Dermott, has started camp on the fourth pairing and has a couple of obstacles to overcome if he hopes to see regular ice time.
The talent is obvious, and some believe that his abilities have already superseded Dermott’s. Sandin’s biggest challenge will undoubtedly be his lack of NHL experience – something that can be said for most 20-year-old defenseman trying to crack the big club.
He has the tools, the smarts, and has apparently packed on quite a bit of muscle over the offseason as well. What exactly all of this translates to remains to be seen, but he can also be shuffled back and forth between the Leafs and their taxi squad (without waivers) and that could end up being the deciding factor.
Despite this, Sandin will likely get into his fair share of games – even if he isn’t a full-time regular just yet. He already looked ready for NHL duties last season following a strong training camp, but his youth and aforementioned lack of big-league experience caught up to him at times over the 28 games he played.
Lehtonen also creates an additional barrier as he’s expected to see PP2 minutes. Sandin’s ability to quarterback a powerplay is one of his strongest assets, but the need for him in that role won’t be necessary if Lehtonen’s powerplay skills positively transition to the NHL.
If Sandin’s game can find some more consistency, he can absolutely earn meaningful minutes. He’s the Leafs’ top defensive prospect, and sometimes pedigree can go a long way.
I hope we one day get to see Topi Niemela and Rasmus Sandin play together.
— Nick DeSouza (@NickDeSouza_) January 5, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
4) Nick Robertson
2019-20 Season (Peterborough Petes – OHL): 46 GP – 55 G – 31 A – 86 P
NHL Career (2019-20 Play-In Series Against Columbus): 4 GP – 1 G – 0 A – 1 P
There are three things that are certain in this world – death, taxes, and Leaf Nation’s relentless optimism when it comes to Nick Robertson.
The hype isn’t unfounded, but this is also a prospect who just turned 19 roughly four months ago. Most of his skill set is extremely raw, and his waiver-exempt status makes him a prime candidate for taxi squad duties.
His biggest challenge will be his size. During the play-in series against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he looked small and was easily pushed off the puck at times. Given the wealth of forward depth the Leafs have, it would almost be foolish to rush the development of a player who will likely be a lineup staple for years to come.
What’s unfortunate is the lack of certainty surrounding the upcoming OHL season. Sending Robertson back to junior doesn’t seem like the most beneficial move for his development, but at least it was an option.
It’s never ideal for a teenager to spend a prime development year in the press box; however, that could be Robertson’s fate as a taxi squad member if junior hockey continues to be delayed.
The OHL was tentatively scheduled to begin on February 4th, but the timeline is unknown now as league officials collaborate with the government to try and find a solution amidst pandemic concerns.
On a positive note, the Los Angeles County native has been living and training in Canada for several months. The organization knows how tenacious his work ethic is, and that will absolutely increase his chances of making it – seeing as Leafs management is obsessed with compete level.
Like Sandin, Robertson could still play a decent chunk of games as a non-regular. Veterans like Joe Thornton, Jason Spezza, and even Wayne Simmonds could be given days off here and there for ‘load management’ purposes.
Kyle Dubas and Sheldon Keefe are known for their roster creativity, and they’ll find a way to reward anyone playing well with additional games/ice time.
Jason Robertson! Nick Robertson’s older brother, who plays as a prospect with the Stars! Filipino, left wing. Honestly, REALLY lit up the OHL wow. And did I mention the Robertsons are from Arcadia, CA? I love finding players from non-traditional hockey states! pic.twitter.com/EzgSEJ7699
— latt szn (@sushissance) August 22, 2020
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
5) Jason Spezza
2019-20 Season: 58 GP – 9 G – 16 A – 25 P – 50.6 CF% – 45.3 oZS%
NHL Career: 1123 GP – 341 G – 599 A – 940 P – 52.4 CF% – 55.3 oZS%
As the only true NHL veteran on this list, Jason Spezza’s chances of making the team are far better than anyone who has been mentioned so far.
The former second overall draft pick is certainly at the tail end of his career, but his play could be beneficial in a limited role like last season.
He averaged just under 11 minutes of ice time per game for the Leafs and will likely get into around 35-40 games this season, if not more.
Spezza’s main assets, at this point, are his leadership and faceoff abilities. If he can win important draws and pump up/mentor his teammates, without hurting the team on the scoresheet, that’s probably good enough.
Otherwise, there isn’t much more to say about this absolute beauty.
Jason Spezza started today’s media availability offering his condolences to John Muckler’s family. Spezza said Muckler had a big influence on his career during his early days in Ottawa.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 5, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
-
Ep 76: Oilers, Flames, Winter Classic Jersey, Avs, and More
by Full Press Coverage on November 23, 2023 at 6:42 am
Jim and Chris are back for another edition of Full Press Hockey Weekly to […]
-
Ep 75: Hockey After Dark
by Full Press Coverage on November 15, 2023 at 3:12 am
Jim and Chris are back for the first edition of Full Press Hockey After […]
-
Ep 74: Drama In Ottawa, McAvoy Suspended, NHL Rumors, and More!
by Full Press Coverage on November 2, 2023 at 1:27 pm
In a jam-packed episode, Jim and Chris discuss the drama in Ottawa with […]
-
Off to Motown: Patrick Kane Signs with Detroit Red Wings
by Full Press Coverage on November 28, 2023 at 7:07 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again joined by Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey […]
-
What's on Russ's Mind: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
by Full Press Coverage on November 23, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again joined by Russ Cohen of Full Press Hockey, […]
-
Off To Alberta To Check On The Edmonton Oilers
by Full Press Coverage on November 19, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again joined by Avry Lewis-McDougall of the […]
-
Ep 87: Captain Brad Marchand, New Season Expectations, Bruins Hockey Is Back
by Full Press Coverage on October 11, 2023 at 11:10 pm
Ian and Chris return for the start of the Bruins season as they talk Brad […]
-
Ep 86: David Krejci Announces Retirement
by Full Press Coverage on August 14, 2023 at 10:28 pm
Ian and Chris react to David Krejci's retirement. Learn more about your ad […]
-
S5Ep13 - Patrick Kane Signs with Detroit Red Wings
by Jim Biringer on November 28, 2023 at 5:21 pm
Jim Biringer is back for the fifth season of the Final Word on Hockey in a […]
-
S5Ep12 - Time For William Nylander To Get Paid
by Jim Biringer on November 19, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back for the fifth season of the Final Word on Hockey […]
-
Avalanche at Ducks - Canucks at Flames - Capitals at Golden Knights
by Broken Controller Media on December 2, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Hunter Logan Previews Avalanche at Ducks, Canucks at Flames, Capitals at […]
-
Sabres at Hurricanes - Red Wings at Canadiens - Kraken at Senators
by Broken Controller Media on December 2, 2023 at 4:10 pm
Hunter Logan Previews Sabres at Hurricanes, Red Wings at Canadiens, Kraken […]
-
Lightning at Stars - Blackhawks at Jets - Rangers at Predators - Islanders at Panthers
by Broken Controller Media on December 2, 2023 at 4:05 pm
Hunter Logan Previews Lightning at Stars, Blackhawks at Jets, Rangers at […]
-
Episode #147: Sloppy October Is Over?
by Full Press Coverage on November 2, 2023 at 8:37 pm
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, Sean and Sarah finish out the […]
-
Episode #146: Spooky Luck
by Full Press Coverage on October 27, 2023 at 4:09 pm
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead, Mr. Anderson (Sean) and Tina […]
-
Renegades Of Puck Ep 828
by Charlie Saunier on December 1, 2023 at 6:59 pm
Ep 828 The Renegades Of Puck Recap 6-1 L Vs Wild Preview Rangers & […]
-
Full Press Islanders - 12-1 - Take the 2 points and run
by Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 4:55 pm
Last night wasn't pretty but they found a way to win and that's what […]
-
Full Press Hurricanes - 12-1 - Carolina Falls 5-4 in Overtime Against the Islanders.
by Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 4:30 pm
The Hurricanes thoroughly outshot the New York Islanders 43-16, but the […]
-
Leafs Digest - 12-1 - MASSIVE Trade Incoming? - Trade Reports INTENSIFYING
by BCM on December 1, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Nick Gosse and Darius Domingues break down recent reports highlighting […]
-
Full Press Kraken - 12-1 - Shootout loss, Maple Leafs, Marner
by Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 2:40 pm
Recapping the shootout loss to Toronto. Learn more about your ad choices. […]
-
Full Press Wild - 12-1 - Recapping a dominating Wild win over the predators.
by Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Win, Nashville, domination, Connor Dewar. Learn more about your ad […]
-
11/28 - MNF Reaction, State Of The NFL
by Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 3:49 am
Ian and John react to Monday Night Football and discuss more of the state […]
-
11/27 - Thanksgiving Recap; Jalen Hurts, NFL News and Notes
by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 10:43 pm
Ian and John recap Thanksgiving weekend, discuss Jalen Hurts' moment, and […]
-
11/24 - Thanksgiving Recap, Jets/Dolphins, Week 12 Picks
by Full Press Coverage on November 24, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Ian and John react to all of the action on Thanksgiving Day and look ahead […]
-
11/23 - Thanksgiving Day Preview, Tom Brady, Top 5 NFL Teams
by Full Press Coverage on November 23, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Ian and John discuss the Thanksgiving Day slate of games in the NFL, Tom […]
-
Ep 193: Ayako Hamada
by Full Press Coverage on December 2, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Ayako Hamada has had a wide and varied career through AAA, SHIMMER, TNA, […]
-
Ep. 262 - The In Season Tournament is Going Better Than Anyone Expected
by Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 12:56 am
Jet and Sap share their thoughts now that group play is over with in the […]
-
Ep 198: Week 13 vs Chiefs
by Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 8:20 pm
In this episode, co-hosts Kyle Senra and Jesse Hall are joined by Braden […]
-
Ep 316: Week 13 Fantasy Football Preview
by Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 4:08 am
In this episode, Kyle Serna and Brad Harvin provide a survival guide for […]
-
11/28 - MNF Reaction, State Of The NFL
by Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 3:49 am
Ian and John react to Monday Night Football and discuss more of the state […]
-
Ep 180: Hall of Fame Class Of 2024 Semifinalists Discussion
by Full Press Coverage on November 28, 2023 at 7:02 pm
Ira and Clark dissect the 2024 Hall of Fame class semifinalists. Learn […]
-
Ep 197: Recapping Weeks 11 & 12
by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 11:26 pm
This episode is a double-dip in a good way. Kyle Senra and Jesse Hall […]
-
11/27 - Thanksgiving Recap; Jalen Hurts, NFL News and Notes
by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 10:43 pm
Ian and John recap Thanksgiving weekend, discuss Jalen Hurts' moment, and […]