Yesterday the NHL launched Phase II, allowing NHL players to workout together on ice in small groups. While generally not exciting and we’re still sitting over a month away from a potential training camp, we’ll get giddy at the sight of Leafs back on ice and check out the first group working together…

Zach Hyman has managed to find his way onto the ice despite it being his birthday and finding out this morning that he’s the team’s Masterton nominee. That’s the kind of perseverance and dedication you’d expect from the team’s Masterton guy.

William Nylander is there despite the fact that a very vocal subsection of Leafs fans constantly inform us that Nylander doesn’t work hard and is just in it for the money.

Alex Kerfoot is also part of the forward group, and an interesting addition to this group, as Kerfoot hasn’t really centered either of these wingers this year, although the three of them together could speak to the Leafs attempted to have a balanced attack in their top nine group heading into the playoffs. Or Matthews is still in Arizona and Tavares wants to spend time with his family. Reading into any of this isn’t ideal, but it’s what we do.

The combination of Rielly and Dermott together is also something I’d love to read into despite the fact I know I shouldn’t. This would be an ideal pairing for the Leafs in the playoffs and into next season. The more these two work together the happier we’ll all be as they are a strong attack pairing, but with Dermott’s improved defensive responsibility, one that can make up for Rielly’s offense first approach.

Finally Joseph Woll is part of the group, and if there is any goaltender that can benefit from increased time with NHLers, it’s probably the young up and comer from the Marlies.

How’s that for reading way too much into all of this?