GM Dave Nonis is looking forward to the on-ice evaluation of the Maple Leafs to commence, as the club’s rookie tournament begins next weekend in London, ON and training camp starts soon after. He believes that the changes off and on the ice this summer have significantly improved the club from the group that collapsed in the final month of last season to miss the playoffs. “We wanted to improve our depth down the middle, we think we did that. We have five or six centers now that are legitimate NHL centermen. Nonis said on TSN Radio’s Leafs Lunch on Friday.
Toronto focused on adding quality depth players and experienced blueliners to the fold, which should give head coach Randy Carlyle more weapons to rely on in 2014-15.
“I think (Randy)’s got more options and it’s going to be up to the coaching staff to use those options.… Nonis said. “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.…
As well as the free agent additions and return of veterans Leo Komarov and Matt Frattin, Nonis has hopes that veteran winger David Clarkson will rebound from a disastrous season and contribute more in the second year of a seven-year deal.
“(David)’s a pretty proud guy, I think he knows he didn’t have the year that he expected or that we need from him.… Nonis said. “I think he’ll bounce back with a solid season.…
Nonis believes there will be a heated battle for spots in the bottom six and that young blueliners Petter Granberg, Stuart Percy and Andrew MacWilliam(who played last season in the AHL) have a chance to make the jump this season.
“We probably have nine players for six spots and I think training camp will be very competitive. From that standpoint, we’ll see which players can grab jobs.… Nonis said.
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Veteran defenseman Stephane Robidas is expected to be a stabilizing defensive presence on the Leafs blueline, but he has not been medically cleared by the Leafs after breaking his right leg on two separate occasions last season.
“I’ve been skating pretty hard, training hard in the gym, trying to get back to where I was,… Robidas said on Sportsnet FAN 590 Radio Thursday. “Everything’s been really good.… The 37-year-old blueliner has been skating since the end of June and the club will review the progress of the rehabilitation when training camp begins in two weeks.
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