Yesterday the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they had cut 14 more players from their training camp roster, assigning them to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. The most significant of the cuts was forward Joe Colborne, who was considered to be in contention for a roster spot.
The full list of cuts is as follows. All players were assigned to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
Assigned to Toronto (AHL) : Luca Caputi, Joe Colborne, Jerry D’Amigo, Ryan Hamilton, Marcel Mueller, Kenny Ryan, Greg Scott, Mike Zigomanis, Jesse Blacker, Jeff Finger, Simon Gysbers, Korbinian Holzer, Juraj Mikus, Mark Owuya, Jussi Rynnas.
The Leafs also announced that they had returned forward Greg McKegg to the Erie Otters of the OHL.
Luca Caputi, Ryan Hamilton, Mike Zigomanis and Jeff Finger will all have to clear waivers to be assigned to the AHL.
While there are still more important cuts to be made, you can tell that the Leafs roster is beginning to take shape. The following players remain in camp:
Colby Armstrong
Darryl Boyce
Tyler Bozak
Mike Brown
Tim Connolly
Joey Crabb
Phillipe Dupuis
Matt Frattin
Mikhail Grabovski
Nazem Kadri
Phil Kessel
Nikolai Kulemin
Matthew Lombardi
Joffrey Lupul
Clarke MacArthur
Colton Orr
Jay Rosehill
Keith Aulie
Cody Franson
Jake Gardiner
Carl Gunnarsson
Mike Komisarek
Matt Lashoff
John-Michael Liles
Dion Phaneuf
Luke Schenn
Jonas Gustavsson
James Reimer
Ben Scrivens
I’ve predicted who I personally think will be cut once the season rolls around, based on keeping two defenders and one forward scratched.
- Matthew Lombardi either slots in the lineup as a center or winger, which effectively forces Matt Frattin and Nazem Kadri to the minors. If he’s injured to start the season, Darryl Boyce plays in his stead.
- The Leafs will opt to go with 8 defensemen. My guess is that Keith Aulie and Mike Komisarek will sit.
- Phillipe Dupuis will win fourth line center duties. He’s a fearless shot blocker, speedy and throws his weight around. He’ll be flanked by Mike Brown and Colton Orr. If Brownie is a no-go opening night, look for Boyce to play in that hole.
- The Leafs third line will eventually be Lombardi with Tyler Bozak and Colby Armstrong.
- If both Lombardi and Brown are both injured to start the season, the Leafs will keep Jay Rosehill around. He’ll patrol the ice with Orr until Brown is healthy. Boyce will play on the third line. Notice how Boyce is very versatile.
The Toronto Marlies announced they have signed forward Brayden Irwin to an AHL deal. His two year ELC with the Toronto Maple Leafs expired at last season’s end. He was in camp with the Leafs trying out. The Marlies will use him as depth considering Colborne and Kadri could be recalled at any time, leaving the farm club shorthanded down the middle.
Today, while talking on TSN1050, Darren Dreger mentioned the Leafs were kicking tires on a possible trade, passing along the thought of Bozak and Carl Gunnarsson being packaged together. He also noted that nothing was imminent, but that if the team felt a move would put them over the top they would pull the trigger.
