The Toronto Maple Leafs have trimmed their training camp roster to 42. Devin Setoguchi and Curtis Glencross were released from their pro tryout contracts while Mitch Marner has been sent back to junior. They also sent goaltender Rob Madore down to the Toronto Marlies.
First, lets talk about the veterans. Neither player had a point in the preseason. It’s particularly bad news for Setoguchi as he was basically out of the NHL halfway through last season and was looking for another chance to make it in the League. This could be the death knell to his career. With Glencross, he had a pretty good season split between the Calgary Flames and Washington Capitals. Whether Glencross gets another chance elsewhere remains to be seen. With those two out of the equation, only two players remain remain with the team on tryout: forward Brad Boyes and defenseman Mark Fraser.
Setoguchi has played for the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames in his career. He has 249 points in 471 career NHL games. He only played 12 games with the Flames last season without recording a single point. Glencross has played for the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, Flames and Capitals. He has 275 points in 507 career NHL games.
The removal of Setoguchi and Glencross might be good news for Boyes. He hasn’t looked out of place in the games he has appeared. Not to mention, it would at least be a good story (the Leafs need those this season) for the Leafs’ first-rounder in 2000 to finally play for the Leafs.
A Return To Knighthood
As for Marner, this was to be expected. It might have taken place a little earlier than expected, him not even remaining with the team through the entire training camp.
Marner will now be expected to dominate with the London Knights of the OHL. If Max Domi makes the Arizona Coyotes, then Marner will most likely be the Knights’ best offensive option. Another year near the top of the OHL scoring list should be expected.
(Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)
If it weren’t for the rules blocking a North American player under 20 from playing in the AHL, then Marner would probably be playing for the Marlies this year. With William Nylander more than likely to be playing with the Marlies again this season, it would give the two prospects a year to build some chemistry. If one of them doesn’t work out at center, then he could be moved to the wing and they could form quite the formidable duo if they were on the same line.
The Leafs now have three preseason games left. Prior to the regular season, the Leafs must get their roster down to at least 23 players for opening night. That means they have to reduce their roster by at least another 19 players. There is plenty of young prospects left in camp. Can any of them earn a roster spot, forcing the Leafs to make a move with one of their veterans? We won’t have to wait to long to find out.
