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Toronto Maple Leafs Training Camp: Positional Battles to Watch

By Jeremy Ridgewell

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Joshua Ho-Sang #26 of the New York Islanders skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on September 24, 2019 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Islanders 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Joshua Ho-Sang #26 of the New York Islanders skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on September 24, 2019 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Islanders 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Toronto Maple Leafs Training Camp Battles – LW

Pierre Engvall

Pierre Engvall has played in 90 games over two seasons for Toronto. He has spent the majority of his time on the fourth line with extra playing time on the penalty kill. Due to his limited role on the team, he has only produced 27 points in those 90 games.

If he lands a permanent roster spot and stays healthy all season, he will likely get you around 20 points. He might have to start the season with the Marlies if another player with more offensive upside has a better training camp.

Nikita Gusev

Just like Ho-Sang, Gusev is at training camp on a PTO and looking to prove himself. His playing time last season was split between the New Jersey Devils and the Florida Panthers.  He scored just 10 points in 31 games last season.

That is a drastic drop from the 44 points in 66 games he had back in the 2019-20 season. Gusev will be coming into training camp looking to recapture his scoring touch and earn a contract with the Maple Leafs.

Ilya Mikheyev

During the off-season, Ilya Mikheyev requested a trade because he was dissatisfied with the playing time he was given. Toronto rejected the request and told Mikheyev that they believe in him, but he needs to produce points if he wants to earn more playing time.

With Michael Bunting and Nick Ritchie added to Toronto’s left wing this off-season, Mikheyev will need to have a really good training camp if he wants a spot in the top six. He will also need to out perform Gusev and Engvall just to earn a spot on the third line.

If other players out perform Mikheyev in camp, then he will either start the season on the fourth line, or get his wish and will be traded.

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