For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter The Toronto Maple Leafs were looking for someone to backup and lighten the workload of starting goalie Frederik Andersen, and added Michal Neuvirth to a professional tryout contract in July as a possible candidate, but the 31-year-old’s bid to win a job ended on Tuesday when the Leafs released the veteran netminder. Neuvirth played 257 games in his 11-year NHL career with Washington, Buffalo, the NY Islanders and Philadelphia, but battled a myriad of injuries during his years with the Flyers, which limited him to just seven starts last season. After missing time early in training camp, the veteran goalie saw action for the first time in Buffalo, making 20 saves on 22 shots in 40 minutes in a 5-3 loss to the Sabres on Saturday, but missed practice and a scheduled start on Monday because he was “not feeling up to it… according to head coach Mike Babcock.
Relentless 😤#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/jJeqo8VJTy
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 24, 2019
The mostly AHL lineup had a few stand out performances that might put them back in the mix for consideration for a spot on the Leafs opening night roster. Nic Petan had two assists in more of a top-six role, but Babcock was also impressed with his play at the other end of the ice.
"What you see and what I see might be different. He was physical, he was on the puck, he didn't turn the puck over. That's what matters for me." Babcock said. "When you're not trying out for the top six forwards, you have (find) a way to survive in the league and as a skill guy, you probably have to find a way to score against bottom lines, but do it by working hard."
Egor Korshkov was also impressive with a pair of goals, but the group of prospective competitors for the bottom pairing other than Justin Holl really did not stand out.
Three rather well paid gentlemen on the ice first at Ford Performance Centre. Marner, Matthews, and Nylander. #Leafs pic.twitter.com/6WBQo62Jr2
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) September 24, 2019
The Leafs and Canadiens will play in a rematch on Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena. *******