Two Leafs who were heavily involved in trade rumours this summer skating with the team's second group

There are some noteworthy changes to Group 1, as Auston Matthews, Michael Bunting, Morgan Rielly and Ilya Samsonov (among others) have been transitioned over, meaning that the Buds are one step closer to narrowing things down in preparation of the regular season.

Comments made by Keefe after Saturday's double-header against the Ottawa Senators certainly made it seem like the first wave of cuts were coming today, but it would appear as though those decisions have been delayed by a couple of days as the Buds are not back in action until Wednesday against the Habs. Some extra practice for the entire camp roster never hurt anyone.

With Group 1 containing so many of the team's top players and some obvious candidates for cuts (Max Ellis, Fraser Minten, Matthew Hellickson, Tommy Miller, Joseph Blandisi, etc.), it would appear that the majority of Group 2 is comprised of players who are expected to battle for spots. By shifting some of the team's top players over to Group 1, it will allow for those in Group 2 to receive more ice time and create openings in all situations, which will help the coaching staff in the evaluation process.

Something of note - both Alexander Kerfoot and Justin Holl are with Group 2, alongside many of the fringe players. With the Leafs still needing to clear some cap space, it's pretty convenient that two of the candidates who are most likely to be moved to create cap space are skating with the 2nd group. Granted, players like Jarnkrok, Brodie, Giordano and Aube-Kubel are skating with Group 2 as well, so it could simply be a coincidence, but it's also worth keeping an eye on - especially if Holl and Kerfoot remain there after the first wave of cuts.