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The Most Surprising Players at the Toronto Maple Leafs Training Camp

By Mark VanderLugt

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 25: Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Rasmus Sandin (38) reacts during warm-up before the NHL Preseason game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 25, 2019, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 25: Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Rasmus Sandin (38) reacts during warm-up before the NHL Preseason game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 25, 2019, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
OTTAWA, ON – SEPTEMBER 18: Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Ilya Mikheyev (65) keeps eyes on the play during third period National Hockey League preseason action between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators on September 18, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Ilya Mikheyev (6’2, 190 lbs, Omsk, Russia, LW)

My first pick as a training camp standout is Ilya Mikheyev.

He has a non stop motor that is evident when you see him blaze past a defender. He has a Babcock-type work ethic on the ice and a Dubas-like skill set to complement it.

Despite Mikheyev not registering any points this training camp, fans should not dismiss him. This pre-season, Mikheyev has shown high-end skill and that willingness to drive the net. If given the right opportunity and proper linemates, Ilya is a lock for 45+ points this season.

Mikheyev will have every chance to contribute immediately, and is expected to start Wednesday night with Alex Kerfoot and Trevor Moore on the Toronto Maple Leafs third line.

Based on his play in camp, it appears the Toronto Maple Leafs will be getting a steal on a player making roughly the league minimum.  Players like Mikheyov finding success will go a long way in making the Leafs decision to pay their elite players such a high portion of the salary cap a success.

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