Yesterday, the Leafs cut 21 players from their training camp roster and placed forward Nick Abruzzese on waivers. This afternoon, they announced another 15 cuts that included the likes of Nikita Grebenkin, Alex Nylander and Alex Steeves who was placed on waivers.
Although Grebenkin impressed his teammates and coaches, the Leafs clearly believe he still needs some more time to adjust to the North American game and will begin the season with the Toronto Marlies. However, should he continue to impress in the AHL, he very well could be at the top of the list of call-ups when injuries inevitably strike the Leafs.
Nylander on the other hand, has had a very underwhelming camp. The former 8th overall pick in the 2016 entry draft turning down multiple NHL deals to join his brother in Toronto, but their dream of playing in the NHL together will have to wait a little bit longer as Alex will have to prove he deserves a shot with the Marlies.
Joining Nylander, Grebenkin and Steeves on a trip down to the Marlies are goaltender Artur Akhtyamov, defensemen Mikko Kokkonen, Nicholas Mattinen, Topi Niemela, Cade Webber, Matteo Pietroniro and forwards Joseph Blandisi, Roni Hirvonen, Cedric Pare, Jacob Quillan, Logan Shaw and Ryan Tverberg. The cuts come as a bit of a necessity with Leafs' training camp coming to an end and the Toronto Marlies getting set to open theirs this weekend.
POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 4 | 2976 ANSWERS Leafs Assign 15 to Marlies; Place Forward on Waivers Which cut surprised you the most? | ||
Grebenkin | 1286 | 43.2 % |
Nylander | 660 | 22.2 % |
Steeves | 707 | 23.8 % |
Other | 323 | 10.9 % |
List of polls |