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Since the opening day of NHL training camp is always a blizzard of news and happenings, it is impossible to touch on everything and do it justice. The Toronto Maple Leafs opened their camp with Team President Brendan Shanahan, GM Brad Treliving, new head coach Craig Berube and select players speaking to the media, but the biggest news of the day was the announcement of the ownership changes at MLSE, with Rogers Communications buying out the 37.5% share of Bell Canada Enterprises for a reported $3.5 billion. That means that Rogers now owns 75% with Larry Tanenbaum holding the remaining 25%.
1)“MLSE has been fortunate to have one of the very best ownership groups in sports and entertainment for many years and it has led to MLSE becoming one of the leading organizations in our industry. As an organization, we are grateful for their contributions, and we remain fully focused on our priorities and further driving a championship mentality across MLSE.” President and CEO Keith Pelley said in a press release.
Mike’s Thoughts: The previous ownership situation was a marriage of convenience between two megabillion-dollar telecommunications companies with the well-respected Tanenbaum playing the referee. We now delve into the unknown of what Rogers will do with a majority stake and only hope that their decisions will be better than some of those that they have made over recent years with the Blue Jays.
2) In discussing the goaltending situation, GM Brad Treliving mentions that he is confident in Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz, but mentions Matt Murray as part of the goalie mix. He also said that the pathway for youngsters like Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson is open, if they can help the team win.
Mike’s Thoughts: The chatter regarding Murray and how he is fully healthy after double hip surgery began last month. The question will be what happens if he looks good in the preseason. The Leafs got lucky getting Martin Jones through waivers last October and that fortunate turn ended up saving their season. Will Toronto have to carry three goalies on the NHL roster?
Treliving mentioned having to find out where the 21 goals lost from Tyler Bertuzzi’s departure will come from. Robertson could help in that department, but he will have to be less of a defensive liability. Cowan could get nine games, depending on how his camp goes.
3) Berube – indicated that he will start William Nylander at center to start training camp, and Max Domi on his wing.
Mike’s Thoughts: Will #88 be playing up the middle longer than two pre-season games? I’ll give you 11.5 million reasons why he might. Babcock and Keefe could not stand the defensive lapses that a younger Mr. Willie made, but Berube might be able to coax more responsible play out of more mature Dr. Nylander. Plus Craig does not prime time Tavares to fall back on. Domi played his best hockey on the right wing with Matthews last season, so this is not a stretch.
The question is who will we see on the left side on the second line? Is Tavare bound for 3C or 2LW?
4) John Tavares said he wants to remain with the club beyond the end of his contract this season and hopes that will happen.
Mike’s Thoughts: This will happen unless Tavares salary demands are out of whack. There is little chance he will take league minimum like Jason Spezza or $800,000 like Mark Giordano, but who would turn down a two or three-year deal at $3-to-$4 million per season?
5) Mitch Marner – prior to taking questions said that he would not talk about his contract situation and that he was only prepared to talk about the upcoming season.
Mike’s Thoughts: Good luck with that, Mitch. The old expression is ‘you made your bed, now sleep in it.’ You may not answer the question, but that will not stop reporters from asking it.
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
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