With about 48 hours left until they hit the ice for their first game of the 2015-16 season, The Leafs have made the final cut to their roster.
In regards to Robidas' absence from practice, Chris Johnston said the following:
[Robidas] has, however, been told he didn't make the team. https://t.co/i2PltZiAUt
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 5, 2015
Stephane Robidas arrived in Toronto on July 1, 2014 for a three year, $3M AAV deal. One season later, and 38 years old, he has been waived from the roster. Last season he had 1 goal and 6 assists in 52 games. His 2015-16 season ended when he sustained a major shoulder injury that required surgery.
It is unclear if he will actually play for the Marlies, if he is injured, or if he will choose to hang up his skates and retire. He was not placed on waivers.
UPDATE: Robidas is injured. It is not yet known if that is the reason he "did not make the team" or simply a coincidence.
Babcock says Robidas is hurt.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) October 5, 2015
Robidas' 3-year deal was a relic of the Dave Nonis era:
If we had to go back and do one signing last summer, it would be bringing [Stephane Robidas] in. We brought in Robidas for two reasons. One is we believe he can still play at a high level, or we wouldn’t have signed him, and I think he’s rounding out into form. The second reason is because of his character and leadership qualities. If you speak to anyone who’s had him as a coach or a manager around the league, they’ll talk about his play, but they’ll talk glowing about him as a person, as a leader and how he can have an affect on younger players.
With Robidas out this leaves The Leafs with 14 forwards, 7 defenceman, and 1 Reimernier for the Wednesday home opener vs. the Canadiens.
Jonas Siegel believes the likely defence pairings are as follows:
Leafs defence: Hunwick-Phaneuf. Rielly-Polak. Gardiner-Harrington/Marincin.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) October 5, 2015
Scott Harrington made number 23 on our Top 25 Under 25 this off-season, while Martin Marincin was number 10.