Coach praises Denis Malgin for his excellent camp; does this mean the 25-year-old has made the team?
When Denis Malgin signed with the Toronto this offseason, not many fans took notice. The deal looked like a depth signing, in case of significant injuries, and like a move that may help the Marlies. But since coming to camp, Malgin has been a stand out for the Maple Leafs. Head coach Sheldon Keefe had high praise for the winger following Saturday's big win in their preseason finale, saying if he had a checklist of things to accomplish coming in, Malgin did a great job accomplishing those things.
Malgin managed to score four goals and eight points in the preseason, including an absolute beauty last night in which he danced through two Detroit defenders.
Partly because the Maple Leafs are limited on their roster size due to cap constraints, it is possible that despite his great training camp, Malgin does not make the Leafs. Another thing that could work against the 25-year-old may be his style of play. The Leafs may decide they want a more physical, defensive presence in the bottom six. That would not bode well for Malgin's chances of making the team. But with the second line left winger job still open, perhaps the team decides to play him higher in the lineup, in a more offensive role. It is also possible that the Leafs decide they need some scoring in the bottom six, and that Malgin has done enough to at least earn a spot for opening night.
If the Leafs do decide to cut Malgin, he will have to clear waivers in order to go to the Toronto Marlies. Given how good of a training camp he has had, do not be surprised if a team decides to claim him. Sheldon Keefe and Kyle Dubas have some very interesting decisions to make and there is a chance that they send Nick Robertson down since he is waiver-exempt and keep Malgin so they don't lose him for nothing. It's going to be an interesting day or two ahead, so stay tuned.
