The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing for the 2025-26 NHL marketing campaign after ending first within the Atlantic Division final season. The group is making modifications after shedding Mitch Marner and including new gamers. Coaching camp began with a big roster, and the Leafs are trimming it down earlier than preseason video games.
Toronto introduced six roster cuts on Saturday. Defensemen Rylan Fellinger and Nathan Mayes had been returned to their junior groups. Forwards Tyler Hopkins, Harry Nansi, Matthew Hlacar and Sam McCue had been additionally despatched again. The strikes lowered the coaching camp roster to 67 gamers.
- D Rylan Fellinger (Flint)
- D Nathan Mayes (Spokane)
- F Tyler Hopkins (Kingston)
- F Harry Nansi (Owen Sound)
- F Matthew Hlacar (Kitchener)
- F Sam McCue (Brantford)
Hopkins performed nicely within the 2025 Prospect Showdown on Sept. 14. Mayes, who’s a tall defenseman at 6-foot-7, additionally confirmed sturdy play throughout observe earlier than the occasion. Each gamers are anticipated to develop additional in junior.
Nonetheless, a number of rookies are nonetheless competing for NHL spots. Easton Cowan led the OHL playoffs in scoring and will make the roster, whereas Cade Weber and William Villeneuve are defensemen pushing for positions. Ahead Jacob Quillan additionally stays within the combine.
The Leafs open preseason play on Sunday and can face the Ottawa Senators on the highway. The season begins on Oct. 7.
John Tavares commented on Maple Leafs gamers’ exit
The Toronto Maple Leafs entered the 2024-25 playoffs after securing 108 factors within the common season. They beat Ottawa in six video games however misplaced to Florida in seven, regardless of main 2-0.
Former Leafs captain John Tavares spoke at the beginning of coaching camp, highlighting that gamers should take accountability for previous outcomes. He talked about the group’s playoff struggles and up to date departures, together with Mitch Marner and Brendan Shanahan. Tavares additionally famous that the modifications occurred as a result of the group didn’t obtain its objectives.
“You undoubtedly take (the departures) private, as a result of on the finish of the day, we did not accomplish what our objectives had been,” Tavares stated on Thursday, through NHL.com. “Sadly, due to that, change occurred.”
Tavares added that the group is grateful for the contributions of those that left.
“We simply should attempt to take accountability and know that it’s important to be higher.” Tavares stated.
For Tavares and the Maple Leafs, the main focus is on making ready for the season and making a successful tradition.
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Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez