Maple Leafs announce first round of cuts at training camp

"Announced by the team on Saturday afternoon, the Maple Leafs have returned several young players and prospects back to their respecitve junior teams around the continent -- or, actually, just around the province for most of them. The @MapleLeafs have returned the following players to their respective junior teams. D Rylan Fellinger (Flint)D Nathan Mayes (Spokane)F Tyler Hopkins (Kingston)F Harry Nansi (Owen Sound)F Matthew Hlacar (Kitchener)F Sam McCue (Brantford)- Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) September 20, 2025"

"Of course, these returns were expected. Defenseman Rylan Fellinger, and forwards Harry Nansi, Tyler Hopkins, and Matthew Hlacar were just drafted this past June and could use as much time as possible with their respective OHL squads. Especially considering that the OHL season started this weekend, the Leafs might as well move on now and give these teenagers all the time to adjust back to junior hockey after a few days of experience at an NHL training camp."

"Just the other day, Hopkins was given a solid opportunity as someone who was elevated into Group 2 at camp, alongside the likes of top prospect Easton Cowan and John Tavares and William Nylander at the top. Of course, that doesn't mean they envision him as someone who can make the team at just 18 years old, but they at least view him as a step up compared to other young prospects who were recently drafted."

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the first round of training camp cuts, returning several young players and prospects to their junior teams. The group sent back includes defenseman Rylan Fellinger and forwards Harry Nansi, Tyler Hopkins, Matthew Hlacar, Nathan Mayes and Sam McCue to their respective OHL clubs. Several were recent draft picks from June and earlier selections who can benefit from regular junior minutes as the OHL season began. Tyler Hopkins had been elevated into Group 2 at camp but was still returned. Nathan Mayes and Sam McCue enter their final year of junior eligibility and will aim for professional contracts.

Read at Editor In Leaf