"What stood out about the scrimmage today? Berube: I know you take what you take out of those scrimmages, but I thought the intensity was good. The guys were trying to do the right things out there and play the right way. It wasn't like a summertime shinny hockey game. I was pretty happy with the scrimmage."
"Berube: If you watch him out there today, his skating is everything. He moved extremely well. He was up in the play. He was up the ice. He looked very confident today. Does Rielly dropping six pounds over the summer play a role in it? Berube: I think he prepared this summer extremely well. Whether a guy drops weight, or maybe some guys put weight on - everybody is different - it is just about the preparation and how hard he worked."
"It's hard. You are not going to get a look at everybody, but we have to put guys in positions in these games if we think they have an opportunity. Those are guys who have earned it, too. For our veteran guys who have been around a long time, you don't overuse them, but they also need to get out and play some games, too. It is always monitored that way. Everyone has a few nicks and soreness going on, so that all plays into it."
The Leafs skated a competitive training-camp scrimmage with noticeable intensity and purposeful play rather than a casual exhibition. Morgan Rielly displayed improved skating, confidence, and upward engagement after a summer of focused preparation, including a six-pound drop. Coaching staff emphasized the difficulty of evaluating every player across six exhibition games while balancing the need to give veterans rest and prospects opportunity. Players with earned chances will be positioned accordingly, and in-game monitoring accounts for common nicks and soreness. William Nylander demonstrated buy-in and leadership qualities, and John Tavares chose a reduced salary to remain in Toronto. Practice lines and defensive pairings were announced.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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