Pierre Engvall throws some shade at the Leafs, reveals why he signed long-term with Islanders
Despite a lack of rumours suggested that he was on the trading block last season, Pierre Engvall was traded just prior to this past trade deadline in a salary move that allowed the Leafs to acquire the likes of Jake McCabe, Luke Schenn and Sam Lafferty. Engvall was sent to the Islanders for a third round pick and in 18 games following the trade, Engvall registered 9 points.
Engvall joined Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek on today's 32 Thoughts podcast and was asked why he thought things have worked well in Long Island and why he chose to commit to a 7-year extension with the Islanders - something he wasn't prepared to do with the Leafs. Part of his answer makes it seem like he felt he wasn't getting the opportunity he thought he deserved in Toronto. "I got to play with good players," said Engvall of his opportunity in Long Island.
During his tenure in Toronto, Engvall was never seen as more than a third line option and a secondary penalty killer. He performed well in these roles, but at the same time, he never really showed that he was capable of producing more when given brief looks higher up in the lineup.
After being traded to the Islanders, Engvall was immediately placed on a line with Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson, which appeared to help unlock some offensive production for Engvall. The real test now will be how he fairs in his first full season on the island.
Is there any ill will between Engvall and the Leafs? It's not likely, as he had plenty of good things to say about his former team as well. However, that doesn't mean that he can't still poke at them for some of what he felt wasn't fair during his time in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 8 | 241 ANSWERS Pierre Engvall throws some shade at the Leafs, reveals why he signed long-term with Islanders Do you think Engvall's comment was a jab at the Leafs for not giving him a shot higher in the lineup? | ||
| Yeah, probably | 81 | 33.6 % |
| No, I don't think so | 58 | 24.1 % |
| If it was, it was super subtle | 40 | 16.6 % |
| Not a Leaf - don't care | 62 | 25.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
