Early Monday morning, a full 24 hours before necessary, the Maple Leafs have announced their opening night roster.
The @MapleLeafs announced today that the hockey club has reduced its roster to 23 players (13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goaltenders).
The following players have been placed on waivers: Connor Carrick, Curtis McElhinney and Calvin Pickard.
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) October 1, 2018
There is some amazing news of course. First part is that Garret Sparks has won the battle of the backup goalies. How loud were the discussions within the offices at MLSE between GM Kyle Dubas and Head Coach Mike Babcock over this one?
Secondly, it is great to see Josh Leivo getting a spot on the roster. This kid deserves a real chance but how short will the leash be?
Finally, Justin Holl getting on a NHL roster is fantastic. When he first joined the Marlies, to be honest, he looked terrible. Then I think it was about half way thru his first season, he changed. No idea what happened but he appeared to have a chance at making the NHL in a support role.
With that good news, is news I told you all about. I warned you.
Martin Marincin is a Leaf again.
With Carrick, McElhinney & Pickard on waivers … Leafs down to 23:
Hyman-Tavares-Marner
Marleau-Matthews-Ennis
Leivo-Kadri-Brown
Johnsson-Lindholm-Kapanan
🐐Rielly-Hainsey
Gardiner-Zaitsev
Dermott-Ozhiganov
Marincin-HollAndersen
Sparks— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 1, 2018
Kapanen…..but either way I like this lineup.
Who comes out when Nylander arrives on the team? My guess is Frederik Gauthier but time will tell.
Lets GO LEAFS !!!
#GOLEAFSGO
#October3rd
