Overview
- On Thursday, Maple Leafs top pick Gavin McKenna skated with John Tavares and William Nylander in the team’s main group, giving coaches an early look at a top-six role for the 18-year-old.
- Jack Roslovic reunited with Auston Matthews in early drills and the pair showed clear on-ice chemistry that coaches appear likely to preserve into the preseason.
- Head coach Jim Hiller singled out winger Easton Cowan as the standout of the Maple Leafs’ first practice for his puck work and positioning.
- Morgan Rielly missed initial Group A work with a viral condition but rejoined the Leafs’ top group on Friday skating alongside Emil Andrae.
- The Islanders opened camp under Pete DeBoer with a 56-man roster while Newsday reported Mathew Barzal will miss at least two weeks and the season opener and veteran goalie Semyon Varlamov continues a comeback from two partial knee replacements.