The Maple Leafs have reduced their roster to 33 players on Friday, as they have sent forward Spencer Abbott and defenseman Kevin Marshall to the AHL Toronto Marlies.
According to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston, the 24-year-old Marshall, who was acquired in a trade last March for forward Nicolas Deschamps, has to clear waivers before he can be sent down. The 25-year-old Abbott, who scored 13 goals and 20 assists in 55 games for the Marlies in 2012-13, is exempt from waivers.
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The Blue and White were hit by the injury bug Thursday night in Kanata, ON, as forward Nazem Kadri left the game against the Ottawa Senators late in the second period after blocking a shot and goaltender Jonathan Bernier took himself out of the game after the first period with an undisclosed injury.
The young center played very well before taking a shot off the palm of the hand, scoring a power play goal, throwing a couple solid body checks and sparring with diminutive Ottawa rookie Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Kadri appears not to have any lingering effects, as he participated in practice this morning at the Leafs practice facility in Etobicoke, ON.
The 25-year-old goaltender was supposed to play the entire game, but erred on the side of caution after re-aggravating the mysterious injury. Bernier was not on the ice at the Mastercard Center and his status for the remaining five games of the preseason is in question in spite of comments the goaltender made after the game that he expects to start a couple games before the start of the regular season.
Forward Mason Raymond was again impressive, scoring his second goal and showing great speed playing alongside recent acquisition Dave Bolland. According to Sportsnet commentator Doug Maclean, GM Dave Nonis already has an agreement in principle with the winger for $925,000 if he makes the 23 man roster, which is a bargain based on his play so far.
The battle for the 13th forward spot on Thursday between Joe Colborne and Carter Ashton looked to be advantage Ashton after the game in Ottawa, as the 23-year-old former Boston Bruins first rounder did not make a noticeable impact centering James van Riemsdyk and David Clarkson. Ashton was energetic and aggressive throughout the game, made a goal saving stick check on Sens forward Andre Petersson in the first period and was robbed on a point blank scoring chance by Ottawa backup Nathan Lawson in the third period.
On the blueline, Morgan Rielly had an assist on Bolland’s game-winning goal, playing well at both ends in over 20 minutes of ice time and defense partner Paul Ranger was +2 on the night, while veterans Dion Phaneuf and Carl Gunnarsson were -2.
The Leafs begin a home-and-home with the Sabres at the First Niagara Center in downtown Buffalo Saturday night. James Reimer is expected to get the start.
Listen here to the next edition of Leaf Buzz with me and CTV’s Norman James tonight at 9:30:
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