Toronto Maple Leafs send 25 players packing amid roster cuts
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Toronto is one step closer to finalizing its opening night roster. The Maple Leafs announced the release of 25 players from training camp, with the club's PR account confirming the moves within the last hour.
The list spans professional tryouts, depth prospects and junior-aged players being returned to their respective leagues.
Among the names sent down or released are Vinny Borgesi, Brandon Buhr, Hayes Hundley, Borya Valis, Matt Anderson, Matthew Barbolini, Sawyer Boulton, Frank Djurasevic, Reese Johnson, Marc Johnstone, Ryan Kirwan, Jackson Kunz, Kaiden Mbereko, Ben Meehan, Ross Mitton, Timofei Obvintsev, Logan Shaw, Sam Stevens, Matt Hellickson, Adam Kydd, Joe Miller and Max Smolinski.
Junior returns account for three cuts
Three players were specifically returned to their Ontario Hockey League clubs rather than simply released from the pro roster.
Alexander Bilecki heads back to Kitchener, Tyler Hopkins returns to Guelph, and Harry Nansi rejoins Owen Sound. All three are expected to factor into their junior clubs' seasons immediately.
What it means for the Marlies and Leafs
Most of the released names are likely destined for the Toronto Marlies, the organization's AHL affiliate, once assignments are finalized.
Camp roster reductions like this are standard procedure this time of year as teams narrow their focus toward final roster construction.
Toronto's front office still has decisions to make on the back end of its lineup before the regular season begins, and today's paperwork clears the path for those calls.
No corresponding NHL contracts appear to have been terminated as part of the announcement, suggesting this batch is primarily tryout invites, waiver-exempt prospects and junior-eligible players.
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