Leafs notes: Defenceman Polak back in camp on a professional tryout

A familiar name — Roman Polak — was among the 73 players invited to the Maple Leafs training camp. The 31-year-old free-agent defenceman will join the team Saturday in Niagara Falls on a professional tryout.

Polak has spent parts of 11 seasons in the NHL, including most of the last three with Toronto. He was traded to San Jose near the end of the 2015-16 season, then returned last year. His season ended when his leg was broken in the playoffs against Washington.

“Polak’s an unbelievable man and obviously played really well for us,” Leafs coach Mike Babcock said. “It was a big blow when we lost him, just on the penalty kill alone and his physical presence. He did everything right for us since I’ve been here. He needs this opportunity and we’re happy to have him.”

The Leafs have invited 41 forwards, 26 defencemen and six goalies to camp.

HIGH ON MARLEAU: It was Leafs coach Mike Babcock who heavily recruited forward Patrick Marleau, convincing the veteran forward to sign with the Leafs.

“I don’t he’ll score like he did when he was 32, but he’s getting 20 and he can play all night long,” Babcock said. “It’s important for young guys to have someone they can emulate and I think he’s going to be a good guy for that.”

FEHR IS READY: Eric Fehr, who broke his hand in the only game he played as a Leaf, hopes he can land a spot on the main roster. He still has trouble closing his left fist, but says he’s ready to compete for a fourth-line role. “The grip is not back all the way, but it’s good enough,” he said.

FAILED PHYSICALS: Joffrey Lupul and Nathan Horton both failed their physicals and will again start the season on the injured list. Horton suffered a career-ending head injury before he came to the Leafs in a salary-cap related trade for David Clarkson.

Their injuries allow the Maple Leafs to save up to a combined $10.55 million on the salary cap. Lupul is in the final year of his contract.