LEAF BUZZ SKILL
Former first-rounder Nazem Kadri is the voice of reason while anticipation builds ahead of American darling Auston Matthews’ showdown with Patrik Laine,
The Maple Leafs, like most teams, are managing the current hype over teenage sensations in the NHL with a steady, somewhat old-school hand.
For instance, they staged a wonderful home opener Saturday, rooted in a celebration of their 100th season and featuring a number-retirement ceremony that honoured some of the franchise’s greats (most of whom starred in the 1960s and ‘70s).
But, parting from tradition, the Leafs didn’t introduce each current player individually before the game began. Instead, the entire roster assembled at centre ice and acknowledged the fan base with a stick wave as a group.
“I just wanted to get the game going, so I was happy with that,” said Leafs centre Nazem Kadri, among the veterans at age 26.
“I liked the concept. We’re a team and we are playing for the team . . . We’re playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not on the back.”
The dominant theme so far for the Leafs, after just two games, is the energy delivered by their young players and the promise that they embody.
Top draft pick Auston Matthews didn’t have to wait long to be recognized league-wide. The 19-year-old’s four-goal performance in the season opener against the Senators led to a second-star selection by the NHL on Monday. (Down the road, Kasperi Kapanen of the Marlies was the AHL’s first star of the week.)
Matthews and the Leafs will practise in Toronto on Tuesday, then charter out to Winnipeg for a Wednesday night game that pits Matthews, the No. 1 pick in June, against the Jets’ Patrik Laine, drafted No. 2.
Kadri, like any fan of the game, is looking forward to that matchup — but cautioned against over-hyping the encounter.
“Ah, that’s more you guys (media),” Kadri said, smiling. “It’s Toronto vs. Winnipeg . . . They are amazing young players. They were drafted1-2, but what it comes down to is: we’re two teams playing each other and we need the two points.”
Kadri, now in his seventh NHL season, entered the NHL with hype similar to the level Matthews and teammate Mitch Marner are generating.
Playing more two-way hockey and becoming stronger and faster were among the biggest challenges he faced. One stubborn problem in his early years was turnovers.
“That’s what I learned as a young player, managing the puck better,” Kadri said. “You have to grow in confidence as you play more, and when you get that confidence you will make better plays.”
Leafs head coach Mike Babcock echoed that point on the challenge facing the club’s six rookies.
“Worry about making turnovers . . . Don’t even think of it. Just make better plays,” Babcock said.
“The cop out is: ‘(The coach) won’t let us make plays.’ That’s a farce. Just make better plays. No one ever gets upset about a guy making a play and having a mistake at the right time, instead of turning it over. So just take care of the puck better.”
Kadri fell heavily into the boards at Monday’s practice and left the ice briefly before returning, saying later that he felt fine.
The Leafs might have forward Josh Leivo back at practice on Tuesday after an undisclosed injury.