Maple Leafs Training Camp Divided Into Two Groups With Surprising Standouts

Toronto has brought it's players at their training camp vying for a spot on their roster, and while some of those players know they are more than a longshot to make the main club, some players are getting an important look at their development and the potential of NHL games, even if they don't make the opening night roster.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in their first day of practice, and a few names have already sparked discussion about their presence and what it means to have them embedded into the team's training camp.

A few players who appeared uncertain to make the Leafs roster are on the squad as the team trains, giving them what can be perceived as a boost to their stock following a good showing.

One major notice has been made at the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp practice, and that's the presence of their added prospects.

Expected names such as Easton Cowan are still on the team, along with projected AHLers Jacob Quillan and Luke Haymes, with likely CHL returnees such as Ben Danford players who get an extended preseason look.

It was pointed out that from the players eligible to return to the CHL, Miroslav Holinka, Noah Chadwick, & undrafted signing Landon Sim have continued to be on the Leafs squad into their first practice as a team.

Chadwick, who struggled with consistency in the rookie tournament, surprises by staying on the roster, but adds to a needed bit of depth for the Leafs on defense.

Tyler Hopkins is among the players still on the Leafs roster, but isn't currently skating with the two groups of the first day. Most of the Leafs prospects continue to be active on the roster, but it's unclear if they'll be sent back to Juniors before their first game Sunday against the Ottawa Senators.

Toronto is likely to give their prospects at least a single game to give them a chance to show what they can do against pro players rather than rookies as they played a few days earlier.

Players such as Cowan and Danford may go all the way to final cuts if they don't make the Leafs, but other players will have to make every opportunity count just to get another preseason game with the team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have separated their lines, having both competitive lines, but establishing some chemistry for the team that could carry into the season.

Alongside the Leafs first line of Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, Matias Maccelli is the one skating beside the two, although it's unclear if that is their plan or if it has to do with the absence of Max Domi, who is out due to injury.

On the top line leading off group two is Bobby McMann next to John Tavares and William Nylander, a possible pairing for the Leafs next season.

Easton Cowan is skating on the second line for group two alongside Dakota Joshua & Nicolas Roy, two players who may make up the third line with the potential of either Domi or Maccelli on their right wing.

Luke Haymes is on the third line at center, having been more of a winger. Jacob Quillan, who impressed in the Leafs rookie tournament, is on the fourth line.

To no surprise, rookies Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov are backing up Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll in their groups, but may get a chance at games themselves to see where both are at as the two rookies fight for control of the Marlies net.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are giving a few opportunities for their prospects to do something with their split squad, and will get the opportunity to not only extend their chance at making the big club, but make an impression to potentially get into games at some points in the season, as well as revealing potential surprises.

Training Camp Content below: