The Maple Leafs got in a quick practice on Tuesday before flying to Florida ahead of their big showdown with the Florida Panthers.
That was a big focus of the conversation on the latest edition of Leafs Morning Take.
That said, we kicked off the show by discussing something a former Maple Leaf did. William Lagesson, who’s currently a member of the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, applied a rear naked choke on Iowa’s Adam Raska over the weekend. It was such a cowardice play. We both hated it.
After that, we talked Nick Robertson’s trade value by first referencing Tuesday’s deal between Pittsburgh and Nashville that saw Philip Tomasino land with the Penguins. He went for a fourth rounder. If and/or when Robertson does go, that’s the likely return that the Leafs are looking at. Would you do it?
Meantime, Joseph Woll was named the NHL’s third star for last week. He’s been spectacular lately. Naturally, our conversation evolved into one about Toronto’s crease in general. Call me crazy but I think a strong argument can be made that the Leafs currently possess the best crease tandem in the entire league right now. They’ve been money in the bank.
Additionally, we talked about Auston Matthews’ pending return. For what it’s worth, he led team stretch at practice and took regular rushes on a line with Pontus Holmberg and William Nylander. It really feels like his return is imminent, which is incredible. Furthermore, Matthew Knies was back at practice. He’s eligible to return on Saturday night in Tampa.
Before wrapping, we got crazy as we piggybacked off the fun segment on Monday’s edition of TSN’s OverDrive. Bryan Hayes, Jeff O’Neill and Jamie McLennan mulled over the idea of the Leafs trying to pry Sidney Crosby out of Pittsburgh. Yes, it’s a pipe dream, but on the surface, it would make a lot of sense. It will never happen, but at the very least, the conversation was good for a laugh.
At any rate, be sure to join us for the Wednesday edition as we tee up the monster game in Sunrise as the Leafs visit the Panthers. Over and above that, Mike Grinnell of Spittin’ Chiclets will drop by the show.
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