Toronto Maple Leafs: My Takeaways From Leafs Media Day

The Toronto Maple Leafs held their media day on Wednesday.

Many media members got a chance to ask Toronto Maple Leafs players and staff questions about many different topics that fans have thought about since July 1st.

The Leafs will begin training camp Thursday. Their first pre-season game is on Sunday, September 24th, against the Ottawa Senators.

They will have three full days of practice and drills before that game. So, it is good for them to answer all the media’s questions and get it over with. However, this is Toronto, and the media never goes away.

Members of the media heard from Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving, head coach Sheldon Keefe, and the players. A few things were learned from media day that until now were unknown or just rumours. We learned things like where certain players will play to start the season, updates on injured players, and what to expect during pre-season.

The excitement is back in Leafs Nation, and fans can’t wait to cheer on their buds in blue. Their excitement doesn’t go unnoticed. The Leafs players notice it, encourage it, and will hope to feed off of it. After finally winning a playoff round with this core group, there are high expectations for the Leafs this season. Let’s hope this is the group that can get the job done.

Toronto Maple Leafs Media Day Takeaways

One of the biggest pieces of news issued to the media by Leafs GM Brad Treliving was that goaltender Matt Murray requires significant surgery, which will happen next week.

After surgery, Murray will also require significant rehab. Hopefully, this will put to rest anyone’s thoughts that the Leafs were keeping Murray on LTIR for salary cap relief. There was no real update on Jake Muzzin, but he will also start the season on LTIR and is not expected to ever play again.

Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe says William Nylander will start camp as the third-line centre.

Nylander was drafted as a centre but hasn’t played there much at the NHL level. The Leafs will begin camp with Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, and David Kampf as their four centres.

Keefe also pointed out that Nylander can moved back to the wing if things don’t work out. Keefe also said the Leafs will try Matthews on the penalty kill.

A few players were asked about the additions of Ryan Reaves, Max Domi, and Tyler Bertuzzi to the Leafs lineup. Matthews said, “It never hurts to have a little bit of extra muscle in the lineup.” Mitch Marner said, “They all bring a lot of p***and vinegar.” I think it’s safe to say the Leafs star players are happy with the additions (though, really, what else would they say?).

None of the players who were here while Mike Babcock was the head coach had anything to say about his firing in Columbus. They are focused on the Leafs, and that’s all that matters.