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3 takeaways from Day 3 of Maple Leafs training camp: Robertson scores both goals, Rielly continues stellar week
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Photo credit: Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff
Arun Srinivasan
Sep 20, 2025, 13:30 EDTUpdated: Sep 20, 2025, 13:35 EDT
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TORONTO — During the third day of training camp, the Toronto Maple Leafs conducted a scrimmage, splitting their first two groups into two teams Saturday morning at the Ford Performance Centre. Group 3, which consists of rookies and camp invites, did not participate in the scrimmage.
It was a low-event affair for 59 minutes, where Auston Matthews generated a few high-danger chances, Morgan Rielly impressed off the rush, while Dakota Joshua continued to bowl over opponents, crashing into Anthony Stolarz early in the simulated game.
In the dying minute of the scrimmage, Nick Robertson scored twice. Robertson raced free for a breakaway, beating Dennis Hildeby cleanly with a low snap shot into the corner. Robertson promptly added an empty-net goal as Team Blue defeated Team White 2-0.
Here’s what you need to know from Day 3 of Maple Leafs training camp:

Nick Robertson scores both goals in low-event scrimmage

Nick Robertson was the lone goal-scorer during Saturday’s scrimmage, which bodes well during a camp where he’s fighting for his spot in the lineup. Robertson was active throughout the scrimmage and could be heard calling for the puck consistently through the 30-minute session. After the scrimmage, Robertson outlined his approach to Saturday’s scrimmage, and what lies ahead throughout the rest of camp.
“Everyone takes exhibition games differently,” Robertson said. “For me, a game’s a game, I gotta get out there and execute well. I don’t take it lightly, it’s a chance for me to get the rust off and get a feel for the game.”
Robertson signed a one-year deal worth $1.825 million with the Maple Leafs for the upcoming season and it’s a pivotal year for the 24-year-old. He’s been on the verge of becoming a permanent fixture in the lineup for several camps in a row, and The Leafs Nation named Robertson training camp MVP last fall.
Robertson was primarily paired with Steven Lorentz and Scott Laughton and that very well could be Toronto’s fourth line for the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens. It’s not where Robertson would ideally like to play, and he’ll have to fend off Easton Cowan among others for a spot on the third line, but he’s tasked with scoring and Saturday was a step in the right direction. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube previously spoke glowingly about Robertson during Wednesday’s press conference, outlining that Robertson scores and has a role on the team. What that role looks like is unclear, but if Robertson can score with frequency, it’ll further endear himself in a spirited competition.

Morgan Rielly continues stellar opening week of training camp

Morgan Rielly will operate as the power play quarterback to begin the season and the Maple Leafs’ longest-tenured player is determined to have a resurgent 2025-26 campaign. Rielly finished last season with seven goals and 41 points in 82 games, and he’s ready to engineer a new-look power play that will feature Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and Matthew Knies.
“I think there’s a number of things that are incredibly important, you can get into it as deep as you want, but I think ultimately, I’m just going to try and take a lot of pride and put a lot of effort into making sure I do my job there,” Rielly said Saturday of his role on the power play. “The details will get sorted out with Savvy [Marc Savard], and we’ll talk about formations and whatnot.”
Rielly was active off the rush during Saturday’s scrimmage, following up on a stellar practice Thursday where he did an excellent job of defending Auston Matthews in 1-on-1 scenarios. The 31-year-old previously told reporters how he entered a period of self-reflection throughout the summer and though he’s the clear No. 3 defenceman on the team, Rielly wants to get back to winning his matchups against top line competition.
Toronto found real success with its five-forward power play format and Rielly will be tasked with making plays as the group resets to the top. It’s the time of year where everyone purportedly is in the best shape of their lives, but Rielly is in excellent form through the opening week of camp.

Easton Cowan earns praise from Tavares, Rielly, paired with Dakota Joshua, Logan Shaw

Easton Cowan will be one of the top storylines through Maple Leafs training camp and the reigning Memorial Cup MVP is actively pushing for a spot on the opening night roster. Cowan was paired with Dakota Joshua and Logan Shaw during Saturday’s scrimmage, where he showed flashes of his potential. During the practice session prior to the scrimmage, Cowan was seen speaking with assistant coach Derek Lalonde, going over details in rush drills.
“He looks bigger, and I think for him there’s no doubting what he’s capable of,” Rielly said of Cowan. “He’s put that on display, and just making the jump is challenging, no matter who you are. As his teammates, we want to support him and help everyone as we get going here.”
Cowan clearly is building chemistry with Joshua, who is bowling over other skaters during the first days of training camp. It’s a unique combination of skill sets, while Shaw was effectively filling in for Nicolas Roy, who missed practice due to a lower-body injury. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube didn’t comment on the severity of the injury, noting that Roy is ‘a little nicked up’ entering Sunday’s preseason opener against the Ottawa Senators.
“He just seems a lot more comfortable in what every day’s gonna bring so far,” John Tavares said about Cowan. “Has a much better understanding of just what training camp’s all about, playing at the NHL level, and what the standard is, the expectations are. Not trying to do too much, but having just naturally let his talent and his skillset come out just through his work ethic.”

Quick hits

  • Joseph Woll did not participate due to an illness, Simon Benoit did not attend due to an upper-body injury, while Nicolas Roy was out with an upper-body injury. It will be compelling to see if Logan Shaw can gain ground on the competition, while situated in a third-line role with Dakota Joshua and Easton Cowan. Max Domi will resume skating with the non-playing group on Sunday.
  • Auston Matthews was in terrific form during the scrimmage, generating high-danger looks with relative ease, and his shot carried the same velocity we’ve become accustomed to. Now it’s just a matter of seeing when and how this translates in a real game.
  • Ben Danford was poised and controlled with the puck, although it’s notable that he’s still hesitant to enter the rush. Danford clearly defends at a professional level already, but now it’s a matter of seeing if he can invent some offence and force some 4-on-3 scenarios against players vying for NHL spots.
  • Happy birthday, John Tavares! Tavares celebrated his 35th birthday and said he enjoyed his time with his family before heading to the rink Saturday morning.

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