Maple Leafs pre-season ends with loss, final roster decisions up next

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The auditions are over.

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If you’re among the Maple Leafs forward group of Noah Gregor, Sam Lafferty, Fraser Minten, Pontus Holmberg or Nick Robertson, you won’t want to stray too far from your phone on Sunday.

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The Leafs concluded their pre-season on Saturday night in Detroit, losing 4-3 against the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena with a lineup that was heavy on Toronto Marlies.

Gregor got one last shot to prove his professional tryout should result in a contract offer, while Minten, who had four points in six pre-season games, had a final opportunity to earn at least a nine-game look to start the regular season before possibly being sent back to Kamloops of the Western Hockey League.

Against a Wings lineup full of NHL regulars, Minten played 20 minutes 22 seconds and again didn’t look out of place, recording seven shot attempts and going 8-7 in the faceoff circle.

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“I don’t think anybody took a step back, and that’s what you are wanting to see,” coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters after the game.

“Our situation is complex. There’s a lot that goes into it. If there is no roster limitations or salary cap, I think there is no question (Minten) would remain here and you would give him an opportunity to get some regular-season time and grow through that. But it’s not that easy a decision. There is a lot at play (with the cap).”

Lafferty scored a late power-play goal, giving Keefe and the front office another factor to take into consideration. What works against Lafferty is his $1.15 million US cap hit, as the Leafs need to clear nearly $3 million to get cap compliant.

If the Leafs can get free of the Lafferty cost, they could sign Gregor to the NHL minimum of $775,000, giving them a player who could provide the same kind of energy that Lafferty does but for less money.

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Neither Holmberg nor Robertson need waivers to be sent to the Marlies. For the Leafs to get their cap in order on Monday afternoon before final rosters are due to the NHL by 5 p.m. that day, both could start in the American Hockey League.

To be sure, assistant general manager and cap guru Brandon Pridham, along with general manager Brad Treliving, will be busy on Sunday.

Easton Cowan, meanwhile, played just under 17 minutes to put a lid on a fine camp for the 18-year-old. The 2023 first-rounder should put the experience to good use with the London Knights once he is returned to the Ontario Hockey League club. And Max Ellis potentially worked his way into the call-up conversation with a goal and an assist.

As for the blue line, the Leafs’ top six is set.

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Pairs at practice on Saturday were Morgan Rielly-TJ Brodie, Jake McCabe-John Klingberg and Mark Giordano-Timothy Liljegren.

With Connor Timmins injured and likely bound for longterm injured reserve to start the season, the seventh spot — if the Leafs can afford to carry seven D-men — will belong to one of Mikko Kokkonen, Simon Benoit or William Lagesson. Keefe recently called Kokkonen the surprise of camp, and if the Leafs can make it fit, he could get that depth spot.

Joseph Woll went the distance in net in Detroit, making 28 saves. No one expects the Leafs to expose Woll on waivers, where he undoubtedly would be claimed. Instead, the Leafs likely will take their chances in putting Martin Jones on waivers and keeping their fingers crossed they don’t lose the veteran netminder.

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CENTURY CLUB

In each of the past four seasons that have included a full 82-game schedule (thanks to COVID, the 2019-20 year was 70 games for the Leafs while 2020-21 was 56), Toronto has recorded at least 100 points.

A team record of 115 points was set in 2021-22, followed by 111 points last season.

If you’re into the over/under side of things, you can probably count on the Leafs hitting north of 100 points again and possibly win the Atlantic Division for the first time.

There are many factors at play. We can’t ignore that the Boston Bruins won’t be as good as they were year ago and that the Tampa Bay Lightning head into the season with star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy on the shelf as he recovers from back surgery. As much as Buffalo and Ottawa are expected to take a strong run at a playoff spot, neither club is likely to finish ahead of the Leafs.

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And as for the Florida Panthers, as good as their run was to the Stanley Cup final, keep in mind they scraped into the playoffs by one point over Pittsburgh and Buffalo.

All things considered, the Leafs say they won’t let their collective guard down.

“Our group is not taking anything for granted,” Rielly said. “It starts Wednesday night (in the opener against Montreal).

“It’s not hard to keep your focus at all in this league, with how good the teams are, how good our division is. I don’t think it’s challenging to stay motivated.”

SAMSONOV SMILING

For those who were concerned after Ilya Samsonov took a high shot from Calle Jarnkrok at practice on Friday, the goalie was back on the ice on Saturday.

“Puck is a little bit faster than me,” Samsonov said. “Hit in the neck (area). Little bit bad after, but today is better. Just a little bit sore, my muscle. I feel good.”

How will the Leafs’ No. 1 goalie use the practice time on Monday and Tuesday to prepare for the opener?

“Small details is where I need to get better,” Samsonov said. “We have time. We’re working on how I’m using my feet right now, how I’m skating.”

Samsonov didn’t hesitate when he was asked how he could take another step from last season.

“I want to win the Stanley Cup,” Samsonov said. “That’s it for me.”

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