The Toronto Maple Leafs started their training camp with a huge amount of players, so it’s not surprising to see the team cut a large number of players early on. From MapleLeafs.com, Toronto has reassigned 16 players to their respective junior and minor league clubs.

Heading to the Marlies camp, it’ll be forwards Erik Faille, T.J. Foster, Justin Johnson, Jack Rodewald, Matt Rupert, Ryan Rupert, Nikolai Skladnichenko, and Brady Vail as well as defenders Justin Holl and Max Nicastro.

Returning to their junior teams will be Stephen Desrocher (Oshawa, OHL), Cody Donaghey (Halifax, QMJHL), and Martins Dzierkals (Rouyn-Noranda, QMJHL). 

Aiden Jamieson (London, OHL), Michael Joly (Rimouski, QMJHL), and Lucas Peressini (Kingston, OHL) were also returned to their junior clubs, likely ending their chances of receiving a contract from the Leafs this season.

Nothing here is exactly shocking, as everyone heading back to Marlies camp will likely find themselves playing minimal roles in the AHL, and more likely spending the season with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL. Desrocher, Donaghey and Dzierkals – all property of the Leafs – are depth prospects in the organization and were extreme long shots to make the team this year.