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The Toronto Maple Leafs begin the exhibition schedule on the road, facing the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, ON.
Leafs head coach Mike Babcock indicated in Niagara Falls on Sunday that the eight pre-season games will be used as an evaluation period for those fighting for a roster spot, but will also be used to get veterans up to speed in advance of the start of the regular season.
Each veteran is expected to play in half of the exhibition contests. Against the Senators, the line of Zach Hyman, Auston Matthews and William Nylander and the presumptive top defensive pairing of Ron Hainsey and Morgan Rielly will see action.
A number of forwards in the mix for spots on the fourth line (Matt Martin, Dominic Moore, Eric Fehr, Kasperi Kapanen, Nikita Soshnikov, Connor Brown, Josh Leivo and Miro Aaltonen) will be in the lineup, along with Marlies Tobias Lindberg, Dmytro Timashov, and Chris Mueller.
2017 top pick Timothy Liljegren will likely be paired with rookie Travis Dermott, Marlies blueliners Michael Paliotta and Vincent LoVerde, along with Connor Carrick and SHL import Calle Rosen.
The goaltending duties will be split between backup Curtis McElhinney and Garret Sparks.
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Joffrey Lupul’s comments on Instagram have brought a reaction in NHL circles on Monday.
The 33-year-old winger (who has a year remaining on his five-year, $26.25 Million contract and has not played since February 2016) failed his physical for the second straight year last Thursday, but commented on his health status via social media and quickly deleted them Sunday night.
Bill Daly on Lupul's accusation last night. "We aren't in a position to comment right now. That may or may not change when we know more."
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 18, 2017
“Haha failed physical? They cheat, everyone lets them.… Lupul said.
Lupul has an avenue to dispute the results of a failed physical through the collective bargaining agreement, but did not avail himself of that opportunity last September and has not done so to this point.
The winger’s former coach and teammates were asked for a reaction at the Leafs practice facility in Etobicoke on Monday and tried to stay far away from the budding controversy as possible.
“I don’t know nothing about (Lupul), really,… Babcock said. “You know, I just wish him well in whatever he’s doing.…
Nazem Kadri, who played with Lupul for parts of his six-year stint in Toronto, liked the photo on Instagram before the winger added his comments.
“I didn’t realize what was going to transpire after (his comments). Kadri said. “He’s just a friend of mine, I hope for the best for him. It’s not my job to speculate or to wonder what’s going on outside the dressing room, I’m worried about the guys inside.…
According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and Darren Dreger, Lupul can file a grievance with the NHLPA on his failed physical until 5pm Thursday.
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