Leafs rookie impresses in season debut; Keefe makes surprising announcement regarding his future with the team
Last night against the Calgary Flames, Leafs rookie and recent Marlies call-up Joey Anderson made his season debut. The 24-year-old saw 10 minutes of ice time, registering four hits. Additionally, he drew a pair of penalties, including one late in the third period after he blew by Flames defensemen Nikita Zadorov. He was able to take the puck hard to the net but was tripped on the play by Flames goaltender Dan Vladar. The video can be seen below.
Post-game, when asked about Anderson's season debut, Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe let it be known that Anderson will be receiving some runway. Keefe said that he feels that it's time for the Leafs to see what Anderson can do. This should not come as a surprise as Anderson has been very good in the AHL this season and often appears as though he's too good to be playing down there. In 21 games for the Marlies this season, Anderson has posted 19 points (11 goals & 8 assists). Additionally, he plays a good two-way game, making it an easy transition to put him in a bottom six role with the big club.
This is Anderson's third season in the Maple Leafs organization. He has spent the majority of that time in the AHL, only appearing in seven games with the Buds, including last night. However, he does have some NHL experience. Before being traded to Toronto, he played 52 games for the New Jersey Devils over two seasons. Given the fact that Keefe is now willing to give him some runway, we will have to wait and see if he can stick with the big club this time around, which he appears better equipped to do now that he has developed his overall game in recent years.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 11 | 167 ANSWERS Leafs rookie impresses in season debut; Keefe makes surprising announcement regarding his future with the team Is Joey Anderson ready for full time NHL duty? | ||
| Yes | 116 | 69.5 % |
| No | 51 | 30.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
