The Maple Leafs have gone through a significant upheaval since their late season collapse last April, as the hiring of Team President Brendan Shanahan spurred changes of the management group, coaching staff and a large chunk of the roster.
Head coach Randy Carlyle being aware that his job is on the line after the dismissals of long time assistants Dave Farrish, Scott Gordon and Greg Cronin (in spite of receiving a short contract extension) will likely resort to the demanding, crusty persona synonymous with his tenure in Anaheim instead of the kinder, gentler Randy that has been on display in Toronto the last two seasons.
“We sent out a memorandum at the end of the season that the way things were was not going to be good enough in our group and that there was going to be more emphasis placed on certain things… Carlyle said at the club’s charity golf tournament on Monday, “and we will follow through on our promise.…
Carlyle was decidedly more caustic with reporters and players while with the Ducks, but tempered in his approach in Toronto with the media and the team. That seemed to work with the club in 2013, but last season it was apparent that the messenger or how he was delivering it was not the problem. The Leafs were victimized by a roster that did not have the size or depth to play a physical, two-way puck control game and by the coach overplaying his core players to the point of exhaustion.
“I’ve spent a good portion of my career playing for Randy so I know what to expect from him and what he’s asking,… Lupul said to the Toronto Sun’s Lance Hornby. “He has a specific outline for how he wants the game played. I know when i was a younger guy, he was harder on me. He wouldn’t accept the same mistakes multiple times. He coaches a simple game. He expects guys to finish checks and play well defensively.…
GM Dave Nonis added eight veterans (six forwards and two blueliners) to give his coach the tools to get the job done, but it will be up to the coach to find the right mix that can translate to wins on the ice.
“I think (Randy)’s got more options and it’s going to be up to the coaching staff to use those options.… Nonis said on TSN Radio’s Leafs Lunch last week. “It’s not just one or two combinations that are available to them now, there’s several of them and playing players that deserve to play, regardless of their contractual situation, regardless of how long they’ve been in the league.…
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The Leafs have signed their last remaining free agent, agreeing to a one-year deal with forward Spencer Abbott. The 26-year-old Hamilton, ON native was second behind TJ Brennan in scoring on the Toronto Marlies with 69 points (17 goals, 52 assists) and tallied 11 points (four goals, seven assists)in 11 post-season games.
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The status of veteran Stephane Robidas’ recovery may have the Leafs looking to add an experienced defenseman in training camp. Reports indicate that the club may extend a tryout invitation to former NHL blueliner Brendan Mikkelson.
The 27-year-old Regina, Saskatchewan native played last season with the Penguins AHL affiliate in Wilkes Barre/Scranton(38 points in 73 games) and has made NHL stops in Calgary, Tampa Bay and played 67 games from 2008-2011 in Anaheim under Randy Carlyle.
Mikkelson might be added as insurance if there are any unexpected delays in Robidas return(as he is expected to be ready to get back on the ice by the last week of training camp), but also could be a candidate as the club's seventh defenseman if GM Dave Nonis believes that young defensemen Petter Granberg or Stuart Percy would be better served playing regularly with the Toronto Marlies.
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