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The Most Surprising Players at the Toronto Maple Leafs Training Camp

ByMark 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 defenseman Cody Ceci (83) prepares to block a shot during second 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)

Cody Ceci (6’2, 209 lbs, Ottawa, Ontario, Right Defence)

Whenever you assess a player’s game, the last place to look is the points.

Taking an overall look at how Ceci has played this pre-season is encouraging, as he has shown a stable defensive game and sturdy physical game.

He is strong to begin with, so when he gets shots off in the offensive zone, he’s effective at creating rebounds. The Toronto Maple Leafs are the best team Ceci has ever played with in his entire career. It’s not crazy to think that Cody could put up around 30+ points this season

Ceci’s career high in points, is 26, so there could be untapped potential with Cody. Now I cannot stress this enough, we need to be patient with Ceci, what he’s been doing with the Leafs, has been in the pre-season. If Toronto can rebuild Ceci’s game, that would go a very long way in balancing their roster.

Ceci will start on Toronto’s top pair, replacing Ron Hainsey as Morgan Rielly’s partner.  Ceci had a strong pre-season, leading the Leafs in ice-time and putting up some solid possession stats.

If he can earn his spot alongside Rielly, the Leafs will get a huge boost. If not, his salary and the rise of the Leafs two rookie defensemen will make him expendable.

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