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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, ON – MARCH 13: Nic Petan #19 of the Toronto Maple Leafs sets for face-off against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at the Scotiabank Arena on March 13, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 13: Nic Petan #19 of the Toronto Maple Leafs sets for face-off against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at the Scotiabank Arena on March 13, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Nic Petan (5’9, 179, Delta, BC, Center)

Acquired last spring as the Toronto Maple Leafs only move at the trade deadline, there were high expectations for Petan, but Babcock never really seemed to give him a chance.

Nic Petan was dubbed by many as an afterthought, heading into this season. After putting up 3 points in 3 games this pre-season, it looked as if Petan had possibly played himself on the Leafs  4th line.

Alas, he was cut and sent to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.  If he clears waivers, he will likely be one of the first Leafs called up when an injury occurs.

Babcock is notorious for playing a more physical 4th line, players who are blue-collar on the ice. Petan is neither big, nor physical, so he immediately faces an uphill battle in earning his playing time. Despite that, he’s done well when given an opportunity and during an AHL themed pre-season game he was the best player on the ice.

The potential options for being the first call-up are likely Yegor Korshkov, Pierre Engvall, Pontus Aberg, Kenny Agostino and Garrett Wilson.  That makes 5 players Petan has to get by if he wants to get back to the NHL.  If and when Petan does make the Leafs, it may only be as a press box piece. What is clear, is that Petan deserves a fair chance and he’s earned that in this training camp.

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