Leafs make first string of cuts
The Toronto Maple Leafs have made their first string of cuts in the 2010 pre-season. On Wednesday the club announced that they have released 12 players who were attempting to make the big club. Even with the slash to the roster the Leafs still have 52 players
at camp.
Among those cut was 21-year-old Michael Liambas, who the Leafs invited to an open try-out. Liambas was suspended for nearly his entire final year in the Ontario Hockey League because of a dangerous hit he threw against the boards. Liambas was brought in
to try out for a role as an enforcer, but apparently did not have the skill to remain in the organization.
On Wednesday the Leafs also cut four players that will be sent back to their junior teams for next season. Jamie Devane of the Plymouth Whalers, Josh Nicholls of the Saskatoon Blades, Kenny Ryan of the Windsor Spitfires and Barron Smith of the Peterborough
Petes, will all be given another year of development in junior hockey. The most promising of the youngsters sent back to junior was Kenny Ryan who the Leafs believe can be a force for the club on the right wing in the future.
The Leafs also sent seven players to the Toronto Marlies. The group included Richard Greenop, Justin Hodgman, Dale Mitchell, Mikhail Stefanovich, Josh Engel, Drew Paris and Andrew Engelage. The Leafs are excited about both Dale Mitchell and Mikhail Stefanovich
who are heading into their first season without junior eligibility. The club will be hoping the youngsters can be effective in the American Hockey League this season.
The Leafs still have two more weeks of training camp remaining and several cuts still to come. However, head coach Ron Wilson has stated that he hopes to have reduced the training camp roster in half by Sunday.
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