Thursday night the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Detroit Red Wings 2-0 in their second last game of the exhibition season, and then yesterday they made a bunch of cuts as they trim their roster ahead of next week's season opener.
One player that Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube took a long look at, but ultimately cut, was 2022 fifth round selection Nikita Grebenkin who got into four of the first five pre-season games. He was unable to get on the scoresheet, but showed a tenacity that could make him a useful winger and screams playoff style hockey player.
Alex Steeves, who has collected 154 points in 188 career AHL games since signing as a undrafted college free agent in March 2021 was also cut and the soon to be 25-year old is the only name among the prospects to require waivers.
The Saint Paul, Minnesota native has appeared in seven games over the previous three seasons with the Maple Leafs recording one assist. Steeves has now been passed over by several younger forwards on the depth chart and a fresh start may be best for his career.
The Toronto Maple Leafs cut several players, including notable prospects
Another notable name is off-season AHL signing Alex Nylander who was also cut on Friday. The former first round pick is not signed to the Maple Leafs and thus does not require waivers, but still has the opportunity to sign an NHL deal throughout the season at which point he could join the club.
The brother of Maple Leafs star forward William Nylander has not had the career of his sibling, but showed some turn around last year when he was acquired by the Columbus Blue Jackets where he scored 11 goals in 23 games.
Top offensive defenseman Topi Niemelä who got into his first pre-season game Thursday and looked strong was assigned to the Marlies where he will no doubtingly lead the powerplay once again. He will be joined by other defensive prospects Mikko Kokkonen, Nicolas Mattinen, Matteo Pietroniro and Cade Webber.
Other cuts were Joseph Blandisi, Roni Hirvonen, Cedric Pare, Jacob Quillen, Logan Shawn and Ryan Tverberg.
Injuries Still Amounting in Camp
The team also posted that Jack McCabe, who has sparked discussion this week with Nick Kypreos saying a contract extension is close, did not skate and is listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury. Calle Järnkrok who has yet to do anything to solidify himself on the roster and is among fan trade discussions is out yet again with an injury.
The most notable absence from practice was Nick Robertson who has collected five goals in his last three games was missing from practice. The sharp shooting winger was visibly hurting after he took some contact along the boards on Thursday night, but was still able to finish out the game to collect a pair of goals in the contest.