Biggest storylines of the Toronto Maple Leafs Training Camp
Many intriguing stories exist as the Toronto Maple Leafs return from summer vacation.
The return of NHL hockey and the Toronto Maple Leafs is just around the corner. As the calendar turns to September, that means only a few weeks until players will be hitting the ice for the start of the preseason.
There will be no shortage of Toronto Maple Leafs storylines to follow. The core is the same, but new coach Craig Berube will start to make his imprint. The Mitch Marner Situation will be revisited and Auston Matthews will begin his reign as captain.
The top of the Maple Leafs roster is mostly set, but there will be competition within the bottom six forwards. Forward lines and defense pairings need to be sorted out.
Those are some of the bigger stories to watch, but there are other narratives to follow further from the spotlight. The microscope of the Toronto market ensures that there will be much to discuss once the training camp opens.
Marner will be back in the spotlight
Many speculated that Marner would be run out of town after last season. That didn't happen, but when training camp opens his situation will be back in the spotlight. Marner has repeatedly stated his desire to stay in Toronto, but until an extension is signed speculation will continue about his contract situation.
Expect the right-winger to repeat his desire to stay in his hometown. Brad Treliving can also expect questions about Marner and whether he wants to sign him to a deal.
This story will be a season-long topic, fluctuating between extension talk or leaving through a trade or free agency, until something definitive happens. Leafs fans will be engrossed as well. Marner's production and the team's success will play a big part in his future.
The Berube Factor
The team's most important players have returned, but the coach deploying them has changed. New coach Craig Berube brings a championship pedigree, respect from being a long-time former player and coach in the league, a fresh voice, and praise from many who have worked with him before.
Fans of the Leafs would not stand for the status quo. Since the core was returned, long-time former coach Sheldon Keefe had to go.
There is much to watch from Berube. Many former players have stated their love of playing for him, but coaching in Toronto is a more difficult challenge. Keefe did extremely well in front of the media. Will Berube show the same patience being under the microscope?
How will Berube handle his practices? Does he communicate effectively with his star players? It will be fascinating to observe how Berube holds his star players accountable. Equally intriguing will be each player's response.
Other notable Leafs stories to watch
Other narratives garnering less attention and will unfold include restricted free agent Nick Roberston and the Leafs situation at left wing. Will the team trade the disgruntled, talented winger or find an amicable solution to keep him in blue and white?
Finding a role for Roberston will become more complicated if top prospect Easton Cowan earns a spot on the roster. Cowan or Fraser Minten proving they can handle regular NHL duty may also see some veterans lose their jobs.
Also worth monitoring is how the Leafs will use prized netminder Joseph Woll during training camp and throughout the season. Keeping him healthy is a top priority for Maple Leafs management.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have several interesting stories to follow as the preseason begins. It won't be long until the wait is over to see how they conclude.