Maple Leafs reveal official roster for first preseason game vs the Senators
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to take on the Ottawa Senators tonight for their first preseason game, and they have just released the roster for tonight.
The Leafs are wasting no time in getting their season going, as they will have quite the star-studded lineup for their first preseason game against the Sens.
Not only will fans get the chance to see Auston Matthews suit up tonight for the first time as team captain at Scotiabank Arena, but they will also get to see Max Pacioretty make his Leafs debut tonight.
One reason to bring Max Pacioretty into camp with the Leafs is that, for the most part, this current core has been coached by Sheldon Keefe. Craig Berube is a new voice now, and even though returning players with the Leafs have similar skill sets, how players on the ice are used can take dramatic turns.
The projected line juggling could create some unexpected openings, and counting players like Pontus Holmberg, Connor Dewar, Ryan Reaves, or Easton Cowan as more apt for those positions than a player like Pacioretty might be getting a little ahead of schedule. You can never have too many options, with the added bonus of being able to add an experienced player like Pacioretty into a bottom-six position without risking stunting the development of younger players due to a shortage of ice time.
Max Pacioretty's agent, Allan Walsh, has made it known that it's more a formality than a question that he will sign with the Leafs, going so far as to make clear this isn't some sort of tryout scenario. Barring his camp performance taking some unforeseen turn for the worse, a deal feels inevitable. Both GM Brad Treliving and Walsh have made indications that fans should expect Max in the Leafs roster soon. They will at least get their first good look at him tonight.
William Nylander and John Tavares will also take to the ice, as Tavares is set to make his debut for the first time as an assistant captain. Fans will also get a chance to see Easton Cowan shine tonight as he attempts to get a roster spot.
Fans will also get a chance to see what the Leafs' power play can do tonight, as it's expected the Senators will take some penalties at some point. At this juncture, it looks like the team is rolling with the same first power-play unit as last season, so there don't appear to be any changes on that front at this point.
Puck drop is set for 7 pm Eastern. Get your popcorn ready Leafs fans!
| POLL | ||
Will the Leafs win their first preseason game? | ||
| Yes | 143 | 86.1 % |
| No | 23 | 13.9 % |
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