News Article: Bob McKenzie's Bobcast on the leafs

[Auston Powers]

A bit long but a good listen for those that don't want to talk about Nylander.

https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-hockey-bobcast-mckenzie-on-leafs-and-pre-karlsson-deal-sens-1.1171648

Click to read more...

 

[Nineteen67]

This nor Leafs Lunch is on the iTunes podcast yet today.

 

[Tall Morty]

This nor Leafs Lunch is on the iTunes podcast yet today.

It’s there now.

 

[WTFMAN99]

I am at work...anyone able to give a couple noteworthy points?

 

[Cor]

I am at work...anyone able to give a couple noteworthy points?

He essentially goes through a gives his expected opening day roster is based on his discussion with the different Canadian coaches. Leafs part was 23 minutes long, but it starts with a like 5-6 minute intro to the mini-series so it ends up being 15ish.

For the Leafs;

Marleau-Matthews-Nylander
Hyman-Tavares-Marner
Leivo/Ennis/Johnsson-Kadri-Brown
Leivo/Ennis/Johnsson-Lindholm-Kapanen
Leivo/Ennis-Gauthier

*Essentially said that this lineup is lethal because Kadri’s line will be facing the top lines as much as possible again, which means either Matthews or Tavares are facing 3rd line opposition. He said due to being the least experienced, Johnsson and Kapanen are seen as the 4th line wingers, but McKenzie said that could last 5 minutes in the first skate. Sense he gets is that Johnsson will be beside Kadri, and Kapanen could very well supplant Brown as well. Said battle will be between Gauthier and Lindholm for 4C. McKenzie also said, which was interesting, that Leivo & Ennis may not fit into what the Leafs want on their 4th line, or even their third line (Due to Kadri facing top competition). Mentioned that both Babcock and Dubas love Grundstrom, but the sense is that unless Grundstrom has an obnoxious camp, he’ll start in the AHL. Apparently management sees him as a top 6 forward.

Morgan Rielly - Ron Hainsey
Jake Gardiner - Nikita Zaitsev
Travis Dermott - Igor Ozhiganov
Calls Rosen - Connor Carrick

*First bit was as expected. Leafs will lean on Rielly and Hainsey. Zaitsev needs to be better than last season. Dermott is awesome. Said Babcock loves Ozhiganov and thinks Babcock will give him a huge chance out of the gate like he did with Andreas Borgman. Carrick will be the competition, but think Oz will get the spot initially. Leafs saw Rosen as the Marlies best D-man in the playoffs, which will likely give him a roster spot to start. Talked a bit about how Borgman, and Holl will compete. Leaf brass really likes Holl. Said he believes at this point the Leafs won’t be adding anybody to the defense this season, and the Leafs will look for improvement from within.

Frederik Andersen
Garrett Sparks/Curtis McEhlhinney

Surprisingly had no mention of Calvin Pickard. Said the Leafs are going to let this battle playout in camp, and one of them might be traded, however they could try and sneak whoever loses through waivers. Said it’s extremely unlikely the Leafs start with three goalies. Gave the edge to Sparks due to age and pedigree.

*Overall said that the Leafs are built to compete in today’s NHL. Said he’s not sure any other team in the league can roll out the 3 line offense Toronto can. The Toronto hype train was likely coming anyway, but adding Tavares has kicked it into overdrive. Said fans of opposing teams are gonna hate the “Toronto Sports Network” even more.

 

[WTFMAN99]

He essentially goes through a gives his expected opening day roster is based on his discussion with the different Canadian coaches. Leafs part was 23 minutes long, but it starts with a like 5-6 minute intro to the mini-series so it ends up being 15ish.

For the Leafs;

Marleau-Matthews-Nylander
Hyman-Tavares-Marner
Leivo/Ennis/Johnsson-Kadri-Brown
Leivo/Ennis/Johnsson-Lindholm-Kapanen
Leivo/Ennis-Gauthier

*Essentially said that this lineup is lethal because Kadri’s line will be facing the top lines as much as possible again, which means either Matthews or Tavares are facing 3rd line opposition. He said due to being the least experienced, Johnsson and Kapanen are seen as the 4th line wingers, but McKenzie said that could last 5 minutes in the first skate. Sense he gets is that Johnsson will be beside Kadri, and Kapanen could very well supplant Brown as well. Said battle will be between Gauthier and Lindholm for 4C. McKenzie also said, which was interesting, that Leivo & Ennis may not fit into what the Leafs want on their 4th line, or even their third line (Due to Kadri facing top competition). Mentioned that both Babcock and Dubas love Grundstrom, but the sense is that unless Grundstrom has an obnoxious camp, he’ll start in the AHL. Apparently management sees him as a top 6 forward.

Morgan Rielly - Ron Hainsey
Jake Gardiner - Nikita Zaitsev
Travis Dermott - Igor Ozhiganov
Calls Rosen - Connor Carrick

*First bit was as expected. Leafs will lean on Rielly and Hainsey. Zaitsev needs to be better than last season. Dermott is awesome. Said Babcock loves Ozhiganov and thinks Babcock will give him a huge chance out of the gate like he did with Andreas Borgman. Carrick will be the competition, but think Oz will get the spot initially. Leafs saw Rosen as the Marlies best D-man in the playoffs, which will likely give him a roster spot to start. Talked a bit about how Borgman, and Holl will compete. Leaf brass really likes Holl. Said he believes at this point the Leafs won’t be adding anybody to the defense this season, and the Leafs will look for improvement from within.

Frederik Andersen
Garrett Sparks/Curtis McEhlhinney

Surprisingly had no mention of Calvin Pickard. Said the Leafs are going to let this battle playout in camp, and one of them might be traded, however they could try and sneak whoever loses through waivers. Said it’s extremely unlikely the Leafs start with three goalies. Gave the edge to Sparks due to age and pedigree.

*Overall said that the Leafs are built to compete in today’s NHL. Said he’s not sure any other team in the league can roll out the 3 line offense Toronto can. The Toronto hype train was likely coming anyway, but adding Tavares has kicked it into overdrive. Said fans of opposing teams are gonna hate the “Toronto Sports Network” even more.

Thanks man. My philosophy lately with our defense kind of steals from last year. The roster at the beginning of the year isn't the same at the end, referring to Kapanen going down and then later coming up for half a year.

I think our defense will be the same, we'll start with what we have and see what becomes available throughout the year and then make an addition or 2 if it looks like we need help.