How Kyle Dubas can channel Masai Ujiri to improve Maple Leafs this summer
David Amber, Anthony Stewart, and Elliotte Friedman look at what went wrong for the Maple Leafs against the Canadiens and how the team could move forward next season.
Chris Johnston | @reporterchris June 2, 2021, 10:46 AM
TORONTO This will be a difficult off-season to message, let alone manage.
Mere hours before puck drop on Montreal’s second-round series in Winnipeg, Kyle Dubas and Brendan Shanahan will log in to Zoom late this afternoon and attempt to explain why the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t playing there instead.
We should also expect a few hints of what’s to come, as much as that can be known so soon after a faint-hearted Game 7 showing against the Canadiens.
The Leafs practised at Ford Performance Centre on Sunday.
Zach Hyman is expected to play on Thursday when the Leafs open their playoff series against the Canadiens. We haven t gotten the final clearance for him medically, but I certainly believe we are trending that way, said coach Sheldon Keefe. Another great practice for him today.
Hyman skated on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. The gritty winger hasn t suited up in a game since April 18 when a knee-on-knee hit by Canucks defenceman Alex Edler left him with an MCL sprain. Hyman has now taken part in three practices since being cleared for contact and isn t feeling much rust.
CBJ F Zac Dalpe nominated for Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by Blue Jackets Staff @BlueJacketsNHL / BlueJackets.com
The Columbus chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association has nominated Blue Jackets forward Zac Dalpe for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, the club announced today. The award is given annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Dalpe, 31, registered two goals and an assist for three points with 22 shots, while averaging 10:37 of ice time in 12 games with Columbus in 2020-21. This season saw him appear in his first NHL games since a one-game stint with the club in 2018-19. He also notched his first goal as a Blue Jacket on April 6 vs. Tampa Bay, which was his first NHL goal since Oct. 20, 2016 vs. Toronto while play