Sights and Sounds From Day 1 of Toronto Maple Leafs Camp

The Toronto Maple Leafs players and staff met with the media on the first day of training camp. Everyone is looking forward to a fresh start.

The general consensus is to forget about things that have happened in the past and move forward one day at a time. For the Toronto Maple Leafs players who have been here for a few seasons, it sounds like they’re repeating themselves. The fresh faces on the team look to help move the team forward in the right direction.

Some of the main topics discussed with the players were the contract status of Toronto GM Kyle Dubas, Rasmus Sandin still unsigned, and whether or not players have watched the recent documentary on the 1972 Summit Series. Players were as open and candid as possible.

Media day for players and staff is a good time to answer questions before training camp starts. Here are some of the things players and staff had to say.

The full press conference is available to watch here.

Toronto Maple Leafs Respond to Media Questions

Kyle Dubas – General Manager

Kyle Dubas began his press conference with an update on the team’s injured players. Mikhail Abramov is out with a back injury and will miss training camp. Joseph Woll is continuing to recover from a shoulder operation he had at the end of last season. Pierre Engvall has an ankle/foot injury. The Leafs hope he’ll be ready to start the season. Timothy Liljegren has a hernia and will be out for six weeks.

Regarding his contract situation,  Dubas doesn’t think his situation will distract the team and that it will sort itself out at the end of the season.

Sheldon Keefe – Head Coach

Sheldon Keefe indicated that he is happy with the players brought in over the summer. He thinks the new additions bring talent, versatility, and depth. The team is motivated, including himself, to improve upon last season. He is excited to see how his new goaltending tandem adjusts to playing in Toronto and will support them.

Keefe believes the biggest job available during this training camp will be for the second-line left-wing position. He said that players like Alex Kerfoot, Nick Robertson, and Calle Jarnkrok will battle for that position. With Liljegren and Sandin not at camp, those  positions are also up for grabs to start the season.

John Tavares

When asked about the possibility of playing with Nick Robertson, Tavares said he would enjoy playing with him. He says Robertson is one of those guys looking to earn a spot on the team and has the tools to do it. Regarding his thoughts on the Dubas contract situation, he’s treating it the same as if a player was on an expiring contract.

Auston Matthews

With Nathan MacKinnon recently signed to an eight-year contract worth $12.6 million a season that starts next season, Matthews got asked if he’s given any thought to his next contract. He gave the expected stock answer.

Matthews made it clear that he loves playing in Toronto, loves the city, and considers Toronto his home. He informed the media that he’ not going to answer questions about his contract through the season.

Mitch Marner

Mitch Marner says that players and management share the same confidence in this group, and it’s time for the players to do their part. When asked about Sandin missing camp due to contract negotiations, Marner said he supports Sandin.

Marner is excited to get camp started and work on improving from last season. He likes the depth that Dubas added and is looking forward to getting to know his new teammates.

William Nylander

With an opening on his line with Tavares, Nylander said he’s not worried about who joins the second line. Whoever it is, he’s sure that Tavares and himself will do everything they can to help that player. Nylander says he has faith in his teammates and the management staff. He says the Dubas contract will sort itself out.