KNIGHT TO SHINE
The Leafs open their pre-season schedule tonight against the Sens just outside London, familiar ice for one Knights grad,
Auston Matthews or John Tavares?
Zach Hyman says it’s not up to him who he plays with, but he feels lucky just the same that he started his career with one and will play this season — or at least this pre-season — with the other.
“You go out there and play with whoever the coach tells you,” said Hyman.
Leafs coach Mike Babcock suggested the Matthews-Hyman combination was “stale” and he wanted to try something new. With William Nylander still not in camp, Matthews is playing with left winger Patrick Marleau and right winger Tyler Ennis. Hyman is with Tavares and right winger Mitch Marner.
“Auston and I had some great success, playing with Willie as well,” said Hyman. “I have a new opportunity and he has a new opportunity. We have so many good players on this team, it really doesn’t matter who you play with. You’re going to be playing with great players.” COACH IMPRESSED: Leafs coach Mike Babcock dropped a few names of some of the Calder Cup champion Toronto Marlies who have impressed him in the early days of camp.
“When I look at (Trevor) Moore, I think Moore’s been fantastic,” said Babcock. “Highoctane. He can become a good player that you can use. (Carl) Grundstrom has to dig in. He’s another guy that can be an NHL player. Calle Rosen has improved a lot. It’s called confidence. Problem is, you’ve got to do it against NHL players.” MYSTERY MAN: Igor Ozhiganov is the international man of mystery on the Maple Leafs. His English is a work in progress, so he’s not available for interviews.
“He’s studying English every day, goes to school, he’s doing better,” said fellow Russian Nikita Zaitsev. “He’s a smart guy. He’ll pick it up pretty fast.”
Zaitsev said he’s helping Ozhiganov navigate the daily schedule and what’s required of him every day. Ozhiganov’s playing partner through three days — Travis Dermott — says the communication is getting better.
“He’s picking it up quickly with the communication barrier,” said Dermott. “He’s a good player to play with. He moves the puck well and is a good skater. Fun playing with him. Wouldn’t complain if I kept playing with him as we move forward.” FITTING IN: Ennis says he feels like he’s beginning to fit in as a Maple Leaf: “Just trying to work hard every single day, make good impressions, play well. I’ve been given a good opportunity, just have to build on it.”