Toronto Maple Leafs make roster cuts
The Toronto Maple Leafs have made seven more roster cuts in preparation for their season opener on 6 October. The Leafs have sent youngster Nazem Kadri, Christian Hanson, Luca Caputi and Matt Lashoff to
their American Hockey League affiliate the Toronto Marlies. In addition, the club placed Danny Richmond, Jay Rosehill and Mike Zigomanis on waivers. Richmond, Rosehill and Zigomanis are expected to clear waivers and join the Marlies before the end of the week.
The most noticeable cut was Kadri, who before the pre-season began was expected to earn a spot in the Maple Leafs’ top-six or as a third line centre. Unfortunately, the 19-year-old prospect was not able
to play up to his potential in the club’s exhibition games and will be forced to start the season in the minors. This is not a rare move for general manager Brian Burke, as highly touted prospects Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf spent time in the minors when
he was with the Anaheim Ducks.
It was a surprise for many to see Hanson sent down, as it was thought that the former collegiate athlete had a productive camp and generally outplayed fourth line centre incumbent John Mitchell for the
position. Nevertheless, the youngster will start the season in the AHL and is expected to be the club’s first call up if they sustain an injury.
Both Caputi and Richmond were long-shots to make the club out of the pre-season and it is likely that with the defensive depth Richmond will spend the entire season with the Marlies. However, Caputi is
a likely call up if there is an injury on the wing.
Rosehill was fighting for a spot on the fourth line, but was beaten out by a determined Mike Brown, while Zigomanis was never expected to stick with the club.
The Leafs still have more cuts to make on the blue line as the squad is still holding nine defencemen.
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