Toronto Maple Leafs Lessons Learned in Game 3 of the Preseason

The Toronto Maple Leafs shut out the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 in game three of the preseason. We learned a lot from game three of the preseason, including the importance of stretching, two players are much more than just versatile and Curtis Douglas is a giant.

Maple Leafs Have Two X-Factors

Lesson number one is Calle Jarnkrok, an x-factor for the 2022-23 season. In his first appearance as a Maple Leaf, he netted two goals. For his next act, he played defence. You read that right; the 31-year-old who signed a four-year deal with Toronto in the offseason looked comfortable back at the blue line and kept Montreal out of the dangerous area. Besides one mistake, a high sticking penalty when he tried to lift the stick of a rushing player, Jarnkrok got full marks. However, it is the preseason, and it is the Habs.

After the first period, Alex Kerfoot was also moved back to the blue line. He played 10 of the 12 forward positions last season, and now he can add playing defence to his resume. Kerfoot is in the last year of his contract, so everything counts.

Both of the forwards no doubt won their teammates’ admiration and the coaching staff’s high praise. Sheldon Keefe said, “I thought they are as well-rounded of players as we have in terms of their skill set and experience. It just made sense. I thought they did an incredible job.”

Maple Leafs Blue Line Is in Trouble

That brings us to another lesson learned. Jordie Benn is not a defence option. The 35-year-old, who was still on the market on day two of free agency, left the game with just 2:19 played. The telecast still showed the starting line-up when the well-travelled veteran hobbled to the bench. A few replays later showed he appeared to be favouring his groin. So either the guy forgot to stretch or has a lingering injury that can’t handle a few minutes of less than physical competition. Benn may get a pass because the Leafs are so short-staffed on the blueline, but the red flags are there.

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Carl Dahlstrom left the game minutes later with what appeared to be a wrist injury. Keefe said both players required further testing. However, the injury issues on the blue line are piling up. Jake Muzzin has started to skate again but is dealing with back pain. Timothy Liljegren is out for at least six weeks after undergoing hernia surgery. Rasmus…