Memo to Pontus Holmberg: More of that, please.

It’s just one game but if the 25-year-old Swedish forward continues to play the way he did on Tuesday night in Kanata, it will make Craig Berube’s life very difficult as the new bench boss tries to put together his initial roster for the regular season.

Assuming Holmberg was given a message by the coaching staff – just like several others on the bubble to make the team – prior to camp, it’s fair to say that it was received loud and clear. In his preseason debut against a veteran-laden Ottawa Senators roster, the 2018 sixth-rounder played with bite, edge, and conviction. In essence, he played like a guy who was extremely aware that he had some competition around him. Centring a line alongside Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson, Holmberg racked up seven penalty minutes, which included a spirited tilt with Cole Reinhardt to atone for an earlier hit on Ridly Greig —ironically enough. Additionally, he registered two hits and one shot on goal. In general, his line was very noticeable.

As mentioned, the battle is well underway when it comes to Toronto’s suddenly crowded bottom six. As is the case with several others, the Leafs will have to make a call here —one way or another. For the first time in his career, Holmberg will be waiver eligible, which could ultimately play a significant role in the team’s decision-making leading up to October 9th.

With all that in mind, the one thing Holmberg does have going for him that a few others don’t is his defensive acumen. If he can prove to Berube and company that he can be trusted, it will be difficult to cut him. Plain and simple. Additionally, there’s a few guys who are dealing with some injuries right now, so that could also help with giving the team some flexibility when camp breaks.

Any way you slice it, the Leafs are looking to play a style and brand that’s a bit different from the expectation under the previous administration. At this point, Holmberg, among others, should be well aware of what they need to do to set themselves apart from others. In total, he’s played 98 NHL games —including all seven contests in the first round against the Boston Bruins last spring. For the record, he was really good in that series, and as mentioned, it carried over to his first preseason outing, too.

It will be fascinating to see how this all plays out.