A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

Nicholas D'Agostino

Back in 2019-20 the Leafs traded Mason Marchment to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Denis Malgin. At the end of the 2019-20 season Malgin played 8 games for the Leafs in which he did not register a point. In those games Malgin was forgettable which isn’t a good thing if you are a new player on your new team looking to stand out.

Since those 8 games, Malgin hasn't played another with the Leafs as during the shortened covid year and last season Malgin was overseas playing in the Top Swiss league, in which he scored 94 points in 93 games. Now that Malgin has returned to Toronto he has a golden opportunity to make the team out of training camp.

Malgin is a skillful forward who fits the build of the Leafs philosophy. In order to make the team out of training camp Malgin needs to elevate his game and show that his time overseas has made him a better player. The Leafs have lots of depth especially at forward so Malgin won’t be giving a spot on this team he has to earn it.

I personally thought that Malgin had a standout performance as he generated chances, skated well and most importantly he looked like he belonged. He and William Nylander who assisted on his goal last weekend looked like they had some chemistry with each other as on multiple occasions they found each other in and around the net for good scoring chances. Malgin needs to continue these performances in future preseason games as Head Coach Sheldon Keefe will be looking to see if Malgin can make an impact on the ice.

There are a couple forward spots up for grabs which I can see Malgin occupying if he has a good camp. Malgin has shown in the past that he can play with skilful players and keep up with them as most of the time in Florida he played in their top six. I think that Malgin might get a chance to play in the Leaf’s top six and maybe even show that he deserves to occupy a spot when camp is concluded.

As most fans know there could be a winger spot open on Tavares and Nylander's line and Malgin has the potential to take it. Malgin must make the most of this golden opportunity as it may not come again. Overall, I think that it was smart for Malgin to come back to the NHL as he will at the very least be a depth option for the Leafs with the potential to be involved in something bigger.