Players to Watch: Maple Leafs vs Canadiens (9/28/22)

Matt Murray of the Toronto Maple Leafs via Maple Leafs Facebook

After playing two split-squad games against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, the Maple Leafs had a few days off to get ready for tonight. Preseason game number three is here, and the Leafs are facing off against the Montreal Canadiens.

It's always hard to judge the team in preseason because the lineups aren't completely set and the coaching staff wants to see different combinations and different players who won't make the Opening Night roster.

But, from the first two games, it was clear that Sheldon Keefe wants his team pushing the pace. If things go as planned, the Leafs will control games using their speed to attack loose pucks and skill to keep possession for scoring chances.

William Nylander and Mark Giordano looked the most ready in the first game. Mitch Marner had some great plays as well. In game number two, Calle Järnkrok really stood out - making an impression in his first game action for Toronto. Ilya Samsonov also appeared calm in net.

The Maple Leafs aren't taking a full lineup into tonight's contest against Montreal, but there will be plenty of players on the roster fighting for spots. There's an even bigger opportunity for some guys now with the news that Captain John Tavares is out for at least three weeks with an oblique strain.

Anyway, here are your players to watch!

Matt Murray

It is time. Matt Murray is in net for the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. There was a large question mark looming in the Leafs blue paint at the end of last season with Jack Campbell's contract ending. Of course, he chose to sign a big deal with the Edmonton Oilers. Kyle Dubas went out and made a deal with the Ottawa Senators to bring Matt Murray to Toronto. Murray's career has been exceptionally strange. He won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins as a rookie - being a huge part of both Cups. Then his play fell off, he was moved to Ottawa, and has suffered numerous injuries and personal losses. A change of scenery may be the best possible thing for Murray. He gets to come out and prove he can be THE guy in net. And he gets to do it with a very exciting team in front of him. But, the road isn't completely clear for him. There's friendly competition for the crease between Murray and Samsonov. Both guys are looking to turn their careers around. Both guys want to be the #1 goaltender. Murray's bid for the net begins tonight as he takes the ice against the Canadiens.

Calle Järnkrok

Calle Järnkrok came out on Saturday night and got Leafs Nation very excited for the season. He played on a line with Auston Matthews and ended up potting two goals in the losing effort. The nice thing about Järnkrok is that he always seemed to just be in the right spot. He had a few scoring chances right in the slot and could have had more than two goals. He also used his skating and ability to read the play to pressure the Senators and try to force turnovers. Järnkrok looks like a player who will fit in with the Leafs roster very nicely. I'm interested to see how he looks on a line without Matthews.

Denis Malgin

If Denis Malgin makes the team and is paired with William Nylander all season, he may have the most scoring chances in the league. At least, that's how he was trending on Saturday afternoon. Of course, most players will end up with a ton of scoring chances if they play next to William Nylander with his playmaking wizardry. The key is consistency. It will only be Malgin's second game of this preseason, but if he can come out with another nice showing he may play his way right on to the Opening Night roster.

Puck drops at 6pm CST!