Leafs’ new defencemen finally meet and greet
TORONTO, Ont. - The newlook Maple Leaf defence is getting its first look at each other this week.
The incoming Cody Ceci and Tyson Barrie joined the longest tenured blueliner, Morgan Rielly (also just arrived), in a Tuesday sum- mer skate observed by coach Mike Babcock.
“So far so good,” said former Colorado Avalanche Barrie after a scrimmage game at the club’s practice rink. “Just to jump in and have a chance to be part of something they’ve been building for awhile here is such a cool opportunity.”
Barrie is looking forward to a projected pairing with Jake Muzzin, who has been training in Toronto a few weeks ahead of his first full season here.
“I love playing with Muzz. I played with him at the world championships four or five years ago and (Team Canada) won. He was a pleasure to play with, a very poised, smart guy, has a lot of experience. And he talks a lot.
“I think we might try that (pairing) out, see how its goes and if I can fit in nicely there. But it’s up to the guys up top.”
Babcock, who can only watch these skating sessions until camp opens on Sept. 13 in St. John’s, Nfld., prefers a righty-lefty duo which Barrie-muzzin provide, which could likewise set up Ceci-rielly. Ceci and defenceman Ben Harpur came from the Ottawa Senators in a trade for Nikita Zaitsev.
“It’s exciting to see new faces,” alternate captain Rielly said. “We’re going to miss a couple of guys (Zaitsev and Ron Hainsey are gone, likely Jake Gardiner, too), but we have guys who are going to fill those roles. We have a lot of confidence in the group we have.”
Rielly is familiar with Barrie and Ceci.
“(Barrie) has good skill, great skater, moves the puck well. I think when you watch him on the offensive blueline he’s always dangerous. I’ve enjoyed watching him for years, now I’m looking forward to a chance to play with him. I’ve known Ceci awhile, we played as U-18s together. Another good skater who moves the puck well, a young guy and motivated. We’re lucky to have him.”
Rielly also thinks a full camp in Toronto will lead to a great season for Muzzin, dealt from Los Angeles halfway through 201819. Muzzin is big, but it remains to be seen if the 6-foot-6 Harpur sticks. Ceci is 6-2, but Barrie is 5-10 and the question remains whether the Leafs have enough bite on the blueline, especially come playoffs.
“With the way the game is now and how fast it is, you have to be able to skate, use your brain and have good stick position,” Barrie said.