It’s the second day of Toronto Maple Leafs development camp, and by now the prospects have skated together and watched the Blue Jays lose in hilarious and embarrassing fashion, both important steps on their journey to one day playing in Toronto. Katya recapped Day One here, complete with some video of a 6’7’’ teenager skating backwards faster than I could sprint forwards. Eemeli Räsänen is entirely legs, as far as I can tell.
In other fun dev camp news, Stephane Robidas, Drake Berehowsky, and Luca Caputi are all serving as guest coaches. So is Rachel Doerrie, who does video coaching for the Sudbury Wolves and has interned for the CWHL. That means that the Leafs have at least two female instructors at dev camp this year—Doerrie and skating coach extraordinaire Barb Underhill. It’s awesome to see the Leafs bringing in talented people regardless of gender.
And now for your Saturday links:
Maple Leafs News
Zach Hyman’s 4-year deal could make life harder for Maple Leafs down the road - SBNation.com
Why go to four years when you know your stars need to get paid soon?
2017 Toronto Maple Leafs Development Camp: July 7 Interviews | Maple Leafs Hotstove
Director of Player Development Scott Pellerin spoke about the opening of 2017 development camp after the on-ice sessions on Friday.
Leafs' first-round pick Timothy Liljegren sets NHL timeline - Sportsnet
It’s as if Timothy Liljegren knows Lou Lamoriello is watching and Mike Babcock is listening. Toronto’s 2017 first-round draft pick was saying and shaving all the right things Friday when he stepped on the ice for the first time with a Maple Leafs emblem on his chest.
Leafs open development camp with new format - TSN
Barely two weeks removed from being drafted 17th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2017 NHL Draft, defenceman Timothy Liljegren’s life is already changing – starting with his hair.
News Around the League
Dream comes true for China-born player at Canucks dev camp - NHL
Simon Chen was limping as he left the ice early on the second day of Vancouver Canucks development camp, but the pain showing on the China-born defenseman's face had been replaced by a smile when he returned the next day.
An on-ice crash-course for Chinese athletes in 2022 Winter Games prep - Globe and Mail
Country’s latest five-year plan is a race to avoid embarrassment in hockey and other sports when it hosts the 2022 Winter Games
The Latest on the Matt Duchene Trade Talks - Mile High Hockey
NHL Insiders still pin the Blue Jackets and Predators as front runners for Duchene
Can Sharks' Labanc, Meier replace Marleau's production?
The Sharks will need contributions from top prospects, such as Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc, to replace Patrick Marleau's production.
Oilers Sign Jokinen - The Copper & Blue
The Oilers have signed Jussi Jokinen to a one year contract.
Sean Dhooghe a fan favorite after prospect scrimmage, but may never play for Sharks - Fear The Fin
Dhooghe dazzled in Thursday’s prospect scrimmage, but a future in San Jose is anything but certain.
Nolan Patrick opens up at development camp, says health-wise he was “70, 75 percent tops” last year - Broad Street Hockey
If last season only was 75% of the real Nolan Patrick, the Flyers have found themselves quite a player.
Report: Brampton Thunder moving to Markham - The Ice Garden
It looks like the Thunder are relocating and re-branding.
