Training camps kick off this week around the NHL and you know what that means; hockey is finally on the cusp of returning. As teams welcome back their prospects, who had attended rookie/prospect tournaments this weekend, the real work is about to begin.
The Maple Leafs have prioritized two things in recent drafts. The first is work ethic and the second is intelligence. The players that they had interviewed at the draft combine and in the days and weeks leading up to the draft embodied these qualities and then some - and it's a good thing that they do, because the Leafs sent a very clear message this weekend.
During the Traverse City tournament, the Red Wings, Stars and Blue Jackets prospects all wore regular jerseys. Meanwhile, the Leafs had their prospects competing in practice jerseys all tournament long. This, of course, signifying that they have to earn the right to wear a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey and that nothing will be given to them.
This is such a valuable message to send these young players. In an era where plenty of players are given massive contracts before they win anything, setting the tone early could be very important for not only their development, but also for their mindset. I love this subtle, yet important move by the Leafs.
