Even though both should be added to their respective team’s lineup for the second half of the home-and-home between the Leafs and Penguins on Thursday, Denis is a 5-foot-9 Swiss-born forward acquired by Toronto on Wednesday from Florida for Mason Marchment, while Evgeni is an all-star with 64 points in 38 games against the Leafs exclusively.
The Malgin deal was curious on two fronts, the swap of a scarce size commodity for the Leafs for more skill, and the fact that they bartered with a Panthers team nipping at their heels for a playoff spot.
“It gives us another NHL player,” said coach Sheldon Keefe of the 23-year-old Malgin’s 184 games. “Paul McFarland (who coached Malgin in Florida) talks about him as not just a small, skilled guy, but a competitor.
“When he’s played with good players (once with a teenaged Auston Matthews on the Zurich Lions) he’s succeeded. It’s not gone as well for him this year (12 points in 36 games), but we need a little extra depth. Two teams saw a need and we found a way to get a younger player, ready to contribute.”
Keefe hoped that Malgin would have no jet lag issues on Thursday after leaving the Panthers’ U.S. West Coast trip. Malkin, a late scratch Tuesday against the Leafs, was hardly missed in the easy 5-2 win in which Sidney Crosby inflicted the most damage to reach 63 points in 44 games against the Buds.
AND ONE MORE DEAL …
Late Wednesday, the Leafs acquired right winger Max Verroneau from Ottawa, a former Hobey Baker finalist from Princeton, sending forward Aaron Luchuk back to Bytown. The undrafted Verroneau, who is 6-foot-1, appeared in four games for Ottawa this season when not on the farm in Belleville, after 12 appearances in 2018-19 following his graduation last spring.
Luchuk goes back to the team that put him in the big summer trade centred around Cody Ceci and Ben Harpur joining the Leafs for Connor Brown and Nikita Zaitsev.
WILLY GETS PEP TALK
One of Keefe’s personal chats at Wednesday’s workout was with William Nylander, ending with a chuckle between them and a stick tap from the coach. Nylander has six points in eight games this month, but like many Leafs, has veered from the script of late.
“Just checking to see where he’s at, how he’s feeling since coming back from his illness (a nasty flu bug), get his perspective on things,” Keefe said. “Also reminding him he’s an important player for us. The offence isn’t always going to be there, but we need him to remain engaged on every shift and in on every single puck. He has more to offer in that regard, but there has been a larger sample of him being very good.”
Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen turns away a shot during practice on Wednesday. Andersen will get the start in the rematch against Pittsburgh on Thursday night in Toronto. (Jack Boland/Toronto Sun)
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas was at the Leafs practice surveying his talent in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs Frederik Andersen G (31) fires the puck up ice at practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe hits the ice ahead of Kyle Clifford (73) during practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs Jack Campbell G (36) turns away a shot during practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs John Tavares C (91) tries to keep the puck away from William Nylander during practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe instructs his players during practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs Travis Dermott D (23) and Auston Matthews C (34) in front of goalie Jack Campbell as Mitch Marner takes a shot during practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs Kyle Clifford LW (73) and Timothy Liljegren D (20) joust with each other during practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas was at the Leafs practice surveying his talent – as Jason Spezza skate by – in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Kyle Clifford’s son Brody play some one-on-one with Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jack Campbell at the end of practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Kyle Clifford’s son Brody play some one-on-one with Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jack Campbell at the end of practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs Mitch Marner teaches Kyle Clifford’s son Brody the fist pump celebration after Brody beat goalie Jack Campbell during a little one-on-one play at the end of practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs Mitch Marner teaches Kyle Clifford’s son Brody the fist pump celebration after Brody beat goalie Jack Campbell during a little one-on-one play at the end of practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs Mitch Marner teaches Kyle Clifford’s son Brody the fist pump celebration after Brody beat goalie Jack Campbell during a little one-on-one play at the end of practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs Mitch Marner teaches Kyle Clifford’s son Brody the fist pump celebration after Brody beat goalie Jack Campbell during a little one-on-one play at the end of practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs Kyle Clifford gives some tips to one of his three sons – Cooper – at the end of Leafs practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs Auston Matthews C (34) fires off a one-timer during practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Toronto Maple Leafs Egor Korshkov RW (96) and Frederik Gauthier C (33) out during practice in Toronto on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Leafs prepare for Penguins
JOHNSSON DONE
Winger Andreas Johnsson is done for the season after knee surgery on Wednesday morning.
“It was a miniscus situation,” Keefe said. “One scenario, (doctors) were going to remove it and in that case it would’ve been six to eight weeks or whatever, but they were able to repair it, which is better for him, but a longer recovery.
“If that’s what’s best for him, that’s what’s best for us.”
Marlies forward Egor Korshkov remains with the Leafs for now, but was used as an eighth defenceman on Wednesday, pending Malgin’s arrival.
LOOSE LEAFS
The Leafs giving up three power-play goals to Pittsburgh, after having not surrendered more than one since Keefe replaced Mike Babcock, stung everyone and was given priority at practice. “Unacceptable for our PK as a whole,” said defenceman Justin Holl. “In a 5-2 game, that’s the whole difference. And the way it happened so quickly, it takes us out of the game early” … Keefe was sad to part ways with Marchment, one of his long-term Marlies projects, who came from nowhere, earned an entry-level contract and battled injuries to get a brief look with the Leafs. “A great kid, he’s put in a ton of work, but we’re unable to find consistent (ice time) for him. I hope for his sake it works out. He was an undrafted player, whom we were able to trade for an NHL asset” … The Marlies played a school day game Wednesday afternoon at Coca-Cola Coliseum, losing 5-3 to Binghamton. Veteran Matt Read had two goals. “The whole line (Read, Tyler Gaudet and Garrett Wilson) has been carrying the team the last couple games,” said coach Greg Moore … With the trading of Marchment, the absence of Jeremy Bracco and Korshkov’s recall, the Marlies have brought up forwards Colt Conrad, Giorgio Estephan and Riley Woods from the ECHL Newfoundland Growlers … The Leafs were all in green and white on Wednesday, breaking in Toronto St. Patricks-themed equipment for their March 17 home game against New Jersey.
TORONTO – Reigning PWHL MVP and scoring champ Natalie Spooner will miss the start of the regular season for the Toronto Sceptres, general manager Gina Kingsbury announced Tuesday on the first day of training camp.
The 33-year-old Spooner had knee surgery on her left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after she was checked into the boards by Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle in Game 3 of their best-of-five semifinal series on May 13.
She had a goal and an assist in three playoff games but did not finish the series. Toronto was up 2-1 in the semifinal at that time and eventually fell 3-2 in the series.
Spooner led the PWHL with 27 points in 24 games. Her 20 goals, including five game-winners, were nine more than the closest skater.
Kingsbury said there is no timeline, as the team wants the Toronto native at 100 per cent, but added that “she is doing really well” in her recovery.
The Sceptres open the PWHL season on Nov. 30 when they host the Boston Fleet.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2024.
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board declined Friday to confirm media reports that India has decided against playing any games in host Pakistan during next year’s Champions Trophy.
“My view is if there’s any problems, they (India) should tell us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. “I’ll share that with the media as well as with the government as soon as I get such a letter.”
Indian media reported Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its concerns to all the Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB, over the Feb. 19-March 9 tournament and would not play in arch-rival Pakistan.
The Times of India said that “Dubai is a strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue” for the 50-over tournament.
Such a solution would see Pakistan having to travel to a neutral venue to play India in a group match, with another potential meeting later in the tournament if both teams advanced from their group. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan with the specific venue not yet decided.
“Our stance is clear,” Naqvi said. “They need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”
Political tensions have stopped bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2008 and they have competed in only multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups.
“Cricket should be free of politics,” Naqvi said. “Any sport should not be entangled with politics. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will continue unabated, and this will be a successful event.”
The PCB has already spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi which are due to host 15 Champions Trophy games. Naqvi hoped all the three stadiums will be ready over the next two months.
“Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here (in Pakistan),” Naqvi said. “I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter, and I don’t expect they will. I expect the tournament will be held at the home of the official hosts.”
Eight countries – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – are due to compete in the tournament, the schedule of which is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.
“Normally the ICC announces the schedule of any major tournament 100 days before the event, and I hope they will announce it very soon,” Naqvi said.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Ottawa‘s Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand are through to the doubles final at the WTA Finals after a 7-6 (7), 6-1 victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the United States and Australia’s Ellen Perez in semifinal action Friday.
Dabrowski and Routliffe won a hard-fought first set against serve when Routliffe’s quick reaction at the net to defend a Perez shot gave the duo set point, causing Perez to throw down her racket in frustration.
The second seeds then cruised through the second set, winning match point on serve when Melichar-Martinez couldn’t handle Routliffe’s shot.
The showdown was a rematch of last year’s semifinal, which Melichar-Martinez and Perez won in a super tiebreak.
Dabrowski and Routliffe will face the winner of a match between Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, and Hao-Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova in the final on Saturday.
Dabrowski is aiming to become the first Canadian to win a WTA Finals title.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.
