Sam Carrick’s brief call up with the Leafs has proven he can handle a limited role full time with the Leafs next season.
Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
So Who Will It Be?
It makes the most sense that the 23rd man on the roster will be a forward as NHL teams rarely carry 8 defensemen. That eliminates Brennan and Percy. As mentioned above, Clune is on an AHL contract and may be a victim of the “numbers game.”
Leipsic and Leivo are still considered part of the “young prospect” group and I can’t see the organization rushing them into an NHL lineup next season. Soshnikov is also young but may need some time to become accustomed to the smaller North American ice surface. Even though he played 6 games last season, Bailey is hardly an NHL veteran and needs time to develop his body before taking on an NHL job.
Sep 24, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Sam Carrick (53) provides coverage following a shot on goalie Cal Heeter (33) in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
For those reasons, I see a battle between Frattin, Hyman, and Carrick. Frattin should come in hungry at what might me his last chance at an NHL job but will it be enough to hold off the youthful exuberance of the two younger players?
Carrick is riding high after a great showing in a short stint with the Leafs last season but it’s a brand new coaching staff this time around. What you did last year doesn’t really count when you’re still a relatively unproven player.
Hyman “bleeds blue and white” as his father told me up at the Prospects Camp in Collingwood a few weeks ago. You have to think that he will also come to camp ready to impress. Mike Babcock may have quite the decision on his hands in September but it’s a good problem to have. You can be sure that whoever doesn’t win the spot will head over to Ricoh where even more battles await.
If you have any questions, comments, hate mail, etc… then you can email me at: retoronto71@gmail.com or hit me up on Twitter @robb_ellis
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