On this version of Toronto Maple Leafs rumours, I’ll dig into a number of of the staff’s intriguing Russian connections, spanning historic contributions to potential future strikes. I’ll begin with a notable Russian defenseman of curiosity, Nikita Zadorov. Second, I’ll revisit the Maple Leafs’ historical past and an unsung Russian hero from their 1942 Stanley Cup victory. Who knew? Third, and eventually, I’ll speculate on what would possibly occur with former Maple Leaf Ilya Mikheyev.
Merchandise 1: Extra Rumors About Nikita Zadorov
Unsurprisingly, the Maple Leafs are on the hunt for defensemen who can play a stable two-way recreation. With tons of offensive expertise, common supervisor (GM) Brad Treliving, coach Craig Berube, and the staff have prioritized defensemen who can add some grit to the lineup.
One identify that thunders up is the bodily Nikita Zadorov, who is predicted to command a better price ticket with the wage cap improve this 12 months. Colton Parayko is an alternative choice, however buying him through commerce may very well be pricey as a result of his full no-movement clause. So, I count on him to be wishful considering. In the meantime, Joel Edmundson is wholesome and rumoured to be testing the free-agent market. That provides to Toronto’s challenges in bolstering their defence.
Merchandise 2: Remembering Maple Leafs’ Sweeney Schriner Right now
Till my analysis for this publish, I had by no means heard the identify David “Sweeney” Schriner. But, he could be inspirational for the Edmonton Oilers as they tackle the Florida Panthers in tonight’s Recreation 7 of the Stanley Cup Ultimate. Who’s he?
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Schriner was born on November 30, 1911, in Kraft, Russia. He moved to Canada and finally got here to play skilled hockey with the Maple Leafs in 1939 after starting his NHL profession with the then-New York Individuals. His identify got here up after studying in regards to the Maple Leafs and their uncommon 1942 Stanley Cup victory.
That 12 months, the Maple Leafs went down three video games to none to the Detroit Purple Wings and got here again to win 4 straight to take residence Lord Stanley’s Cup. Schriner performed a key function in Recreation 7, scoring two targets within the third interval to assist Toronto clinch the championship.
Schriner performed six seasons with the Maple Leafs and scored double-digit targets every season. Over his NHL profession, he scored 201 targets and 405 factors in 484 regular-season video games and 29 in 59 playoff video games. He was additionally a part of the Maple Leafs’ 1944-45 Stanley Cup-winning staff – once more beating the Purple Wings.
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With Recreation 7 tonight, it’s price remembering that Schriner was a part of the one NHL staff to have ever rebounded from a 3-0 deficit to win the Stanley Cup. It’s an nearly insurmountable problem, however the Oilers have a chance to duplicate this uncommon achievement. A win tonight would mark a monumental comeback and finish Canada’s 31-year Stanley Cup drought, additional solidifying Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s legacies amongst Edmonton’s nice gamers.
As an apart, it’s generally believed that Sergei Priakhin was the primary Soviet to play within the NHL legally, and the little-known Viktor Nechayev additionally by some means performed three video games (scoring a single objective) with the Los Angeles Kings in 1982-83. Nevertheless, Schriner was born in Russia. Was he the primary Russian-born participant to play NHL hockey? I’m nonetheless attempting to dig up that reply.
Merchandise 3: May Ilya Mikheyev and Kyle Dubas Reunite in Pittsburgh?
With information that the Vancouver Canucks try to maneuver Ilya Mikheyev, there’s hypothesis about the place he would possibly land. Is there an opportunity he would possibly reunite with former GM Kyle Dubas in Pittsburgh? The non-public {and professional} historical past between Mikheyev and Dubas, courting again to their time along with the New Jersey Devils, might play a job on this potential transfer. Dubas was pivotal throughout Mikheyev’s restoration from a extreme wrist harm brought on by a skate blade, making a stable bond between the 2.
This degree of belief and loyalty might make the Pittsburgh Penguins a gorgeous vacation spot for Mikheyev, understanding he has a supportive determine in Dubas.
Mikheyev thrived beneath Dubas’ Maple Leafs, indicating that he can excel in a system the place Dubas is on the helm. Reuniting with a well-recognized and supportive GM might assist Mikheyev regain his misplaced scoring contact. From a staff perspective, the Penguins are persistently trying to improve their roster with expert, hardworking gamers. Mikheyev’s versatility, offensive contributions, and velocity make him a really perfect match for Pittsburgh’s type of play.
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Because the Canucks discover transferring Mikheyev, the potential of him becoming a member of the Penguins beneath Dubas’ administration is intriguing and may very well be mutually helpful.
Maple Leafs Followers Targeted on Former Leaf Zach Hyman in Stanley Cup Recreation 7
With all eyes on Recreation 7 of the Stanley Cup Ultimate tonight, Maple Leafs followers will undoubtedly be watching former Maple Leaf (not a Russian) Zach Hyman. He’s been having a beautiful season with the Oilers. Hyman, recognized for his tenacity and laborious work, has turn out to be a key participant for Edmonton, and his efficiency tonight may very well be pivotal.
Writers be aware that permitting Hyman to depart was an enormous mistake. I’m not shopping for it. He’s in a special context, the place he matches a lot better than he’d have ever match if he stayed in Toronto. Whereas I liked Hyman within the Blue & White, for his sake and the Oilers, I’m glad he discovered a greater residence in Edmonton.
Right here’s hoping the Oilers can win and convey residence the primary Canadian championship in over three many years, ending the extended drought and giving followers throughout Canada one thing to have a good time.
