Maple Leafs Suddenly Have an Interesting Training Camp Battle Brewing
Photo credit: Stephen Brashear | Imagn images
The Toronto Maple Leafs now have an intriguing battle on their hands at training camp, with two standout performers pushing hard for an opening-night roster spot.
As training camp continues, the Toronto Maple Leafs hit the ice for their first preseason game against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.
While Ottawa iced a lineup close to their full NHL squad, Toronto countered with more of an AHL-heavy group with several bubble players and rookies.
Despite the mismatch on paper, the Maple Leafs pulled off a surprising 4-3 win, delivering an embarrassing result for their provincial rivals.
Two players in particular shined in the victory, both of whom are urgently fighting to secure their place on the opening roster.
Nick Barden summed it up on X:
"Nick Robertson and Calle Jarnkrok score as the battle for lineup spots on the Maple Leafs heats up."
Jarnkrok and Robertson Shine in Leafs' First Pre-season Game
Nick Robertson buried a goal on a wicked one-timer, set up by David Kampf after Easton Cowan forced a turnover with his strong forechecking.
Calle Jarnkrok, meanwhile, set the tone early, scoring just 47 seconds into the game on an individual effort that showed that his skillset is still sharp, despite last year's injury setbacks.
Last season, Robertson appeared in a career-high 69 games for Toronto, posting 15 goals and 22 points.
Jarnkrok, though plagued by injuries, ultimately dressed for more playoff games -- 12 to Robertson's 3 -- a clear indication of the coaching staff's trust when the stakes are high.
With several players still battling for roster spots, nothing is set in stone. But for Robertson and Jarnkrok, the competition seems focused on the fourth-line right-wing role.
Both have started the preseason strong, and the remaining exhibition games will be critical in determining who secures that final forward position when the regular season begins.
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