Toronto Maple Leafs: Soshnikov Setback Leaves Door Open
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nikita Soshnikov is starting the season with the Toronto Marlies because of a nagging injury.
Nikita Soshnikov was shut down by the #leafs because of a hamstring problem. He’ll start the season in the AHL, per Mike Babcock.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 3, 2016
With the Toronto Maple Leafs choosing to put the fan-favorite in the AHL to start the year, it opens the door up for other young players looking to catch the eye of management.
Soshnikov had a leg up on a lot of players heading into camp, but the hamstring issue forces him back into competition with his minor league teammates to get a shot in Toronto with the Leafs.
If you want to read into the comments from Babcock you could assume that Soshnikov was headed for a position on the opening night roster.
With younger players, and more specifically younger depth players, the competition is always ongoing. An injury forces a player like Soshnikov right back where he was last season – battling for the bigs. It’s a battle he may not have faced if not for the hamstring.
It could mean another chance for Kerby Rychel to work into the good books of the coaching staff after his pre-season pummeling of Andreas Englund. The motive behind the beating was sticking up for his teammate. Unfortunately all he did was put his team down for five minutes because of a clean hit.
There’s no doubt that Soshnikov will remain just as high on the pecking order while he returns to 100%, but others could push him for his potential spot.
It’s a narrative that, while disappointing, will bring even more interest to the Toronto Marlies season when they get going.
The Marlies battles are going to be great to watch this year as the youth begin to smell opportunity at the NHL level.
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