The Toronto Maple Leafs will send 26 prospects to Traverse city this weekend for a four-team tournament.
Over the span of four days, the Toronto Maple Leafs will take on the prospects of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings in a great preemptive event before training camp starts.
This tournament has been a staple on the Leafs calendar for years, as it’s a great opportunity to get an extra look at a few prospects who may have a chance at making the NHL roster, but for the most part, will consist of those who end up playing with the Toronto Marlies, Newfound Growlers or back in junior hockey.
This year’s roster will consist of 14 forwards, nine defenseman and three goalies, with a number of names who will be familiar, featuring players from the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 NHL Entry Draft Class.
As a result, you’ll see a mix of young and older players looking to make the team.
After watching the Leafs finally make it to the second round during last year’s playoffs, this will mark the first game since that Game 5 defeat against the Florida Panthers, which means it’s another year to begin our hopeless optimism.
The NHL season is right around the corner and here are four players to keep an eye on this weekend in Traverse City.