In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs’ News & Rumors, I’ll take a look at two players who have been under the fans (and the organization’s) microscope this offseason. Those players are Nick Robertson and Matt Murray.
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As the regular season approaches, how do these players look? Thus far, as I’ll suggest in this post, they both are looking good. While it’s early in the season, the evidence so far is stacking up on the positive side of the ledger.
Item One: How Do You Keep Nick Robertson Off the Team
What started as a long shot in fans’ eyes has turned into what seems like almost a certain decision on the part of the Maple Leafs’ coaching staff. After two really strong games, if Kyle Dubas is good to his invitation to Toronto Marlies’ players after last season, how can Nick Robertson not win a place on the team’s roster?
I fully expect to see him suit up with the Maple Leafs when the regular season begins against these same (probably different players) Montreal Canadiens on October 12. Not only is Robertson scoring – he’s had two three-point preseason games, but he’s making great plays as well. He’s doing the little things well.
Last night’s three assists helped tell the tale of how far the 21-year-old has progressed. He was creative; he was dogged in pursuit of pucks; he went into corners and won puck battles; and, he saw his teammates all over the ice. He looked skilled, smart, and determined.
As Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe noted after the game, “He’s just playing really good hockey right now.”
Newcomer goalie Matt Murray was effusive with his praise of Robertson. Murray noted that “As a goalie, he’s got one of the hardest snapshots I’ve ever seen.”
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Murray added. “He can score from pretty much anywhere. He’s a young guy who works really hard and isn’t afraid to go into battle areas. He seems to be in the right spot defensively, as well. From what I see he seems like a great young player.”
Item Two: Matt Murray Highlight of the Game for Keefe
Speaking of Matt Murray, his struggles have been well-documented. So much so that a number of Maple Leafs’ fans find general manager Kyle Dubas’ trade for him unforgivable.
I’ve also heard Maple Leafs’ writers critique Murray’s saves because he wasn’t…
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