Veteran Joe Thornton can t wait to return to Toronto Maple Leafs lineup tsn.ca - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from tsn.ca Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Maple Leafs held an optional skate at Scotiabank Arena. The Canadiens held a full skate.
It was during the playoff series against the blue collar Columbus Blue Jackets last summer that Auston Matthews realized something. It was definitely a lot more physical, the 23-year-old said, and it worked to my advantage.
And so Matthews is throwing his weight around more this season landing 4.3 hits per 60 minutes after averaging 1.2 in his first four seasons. I ve made it a point to be more physical, the 6-foot-3 centre said. I don t think it’s really over the top, but when I have opportunities to use my size and strength, whether it s with the puck or without the puck, [I m] trying to utilize that to my advantage.
Thornton making jumbo impression on Marner
New Maple Leafs forward Joe Thornton, considered one of the greatest playmakers in NHL history, appears poised to have a significant impact on how new linemate Mitch Marner transforms into more of a shooter this season, Mark Masters writes.
TSN Toronto Reporter Mark Masters reports on the Maple Leafs, who practised at the Ford Performance Centre on Monday.
The line of Joe Thornton, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner generated a couple goals on Saturday night and, even though it was just an intra-squad scrimmage, they all wore wide smiles during the group hugs. Following the game, Matthews and Marner, both 23-years-old, each posted a picture of the first celebratory moment as an Instagram story.