Kukla's Korner Hockey
Maple Leafs have some issues to ‘get fixed’
by George Malik on 10/01/15 at 01:53 PM ET
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From the Canadian Press's Stephen Whyno:
As the rebuild continues, the Maple Leafs might not be much better, even under Mike Babcock. But the star coach will make sure that at least they put up a fight.
"Two things that irritate me the most are lack of preparation and lack of compete," he said. "That's not happening. We're going to get that fixed."
The Leafs should be motivated by playing for a new coach and needing to impress a new general manager, Lou Lamoriello. Phil Kessel's already gone, and almost no one on the roster is untouchable.
Management brought in several players on one-year, "prove-it" contracts. Shawn Matthias signed for US$2.3 million, Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau $1.5 million, Matt Hunwick $1.2 million, Mark Arcobello $1.1 million and Brad Boyes $700,000.
They also have players with a year left on their deals, like centre Nazem Kadri, defenceman Martin Marincin (acquired from Edmonton) and winger Michael Grabner (acquired from the Islanders).
Toronto probably won't contend for a playoff spot, but it won't be because players aren't trying.
"We're not going to lose because of lack of effort this year," Kadri said. "It's something that's going to change. We're going to be a skating team, a team that is going to move quick and with pace."
Filed in: | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: brad+boyes,
mark+arcobello,
martin+marincin,
matt+hunwick,
michael+grabner,
mike+babcock,
nazem+kadri,
pa+parenteau,
shawn+matthias
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