Previewing the Leafs Rookie Tournament

After another missed opportunity last season that led to an extended off season, the Leafs are back in action tonight with their annual Rookie Tournament. The Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at 7:00 pm the John Labatt Centre in London, Ont. Along with the Leafs and Blackhawks, the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins are also participating in the tournament.

The Leafs prospects practiced this morning, which was followed by the Penguins facing off against the Senators, who kicked off the tournament today at 2:00 pm. The Leafs will also take on Pittsburgh tomorrow at 7:00 pm and Ottawa on Tuesday at 7:00 pm.

The annual tournament gives teams an opportunity to watch their top prospects compete against other teams’ top prospects. It also gives players a chance to impress the coaching staff and potentially vie for a spot in the National Hockey League.

Recently signed Finn Jussi Rynnas, who posted a 14-13-1 record in the SM-Liiga last season, will start in net for Toronto. All three goalies will see action during the tournament, with Ben Scrivens expected to start tomorrow night’s game against Pittsburgh and Andrew Engelage to play on Tuesday against Ottawa. Rynnas is expected to split time with James Reimer on the Toronto Marlies this season, while Scrivens and Engelage need seasoning in the East Coast Hockey League.

Perhaps the most heralded prospect in this weekend’s tournament is Nazem Kadri, who will play in front of the hometown fans in London tonight. After bulking up to 188 pounds in the off season, Kadri will be back with a vengeance and vying for a spot on the Maple Leafs out of training camp.

Recent draft picks Bradley Ross (2010 Draft, 43rd overall) and Greg McKegg (62nd overall) with dress for the Leafs, while member of the German Olympic Team Marcel Mueller will also skate for Toronto. Former Erie Otter Michael Liambas, who performed the vicious hit on Kitchener Rangers defenseman Ben Fanelli last season, was invited to the Leafs training camp in hopes of playing in the American Hockey League this season. Jerry D’Amigo, Brayden Irwin and Kenny Ryan will also play for the blue and white.

On defense, Jesse Blacker and Korbinian Holzer are the more prominent names, while Keith Aulie, who was expected to play, is opting out of the tournament to continue to rehabilitate his injured shoulder. He is still practicing with the team on game days.

The Chicago Blackhawks also boast an impressive lineup, led by former first round pick Kyle Beach, along with Jeremy Morin, who was acquired in the Dustin Byfuglien swap. Former Leaf Chris DiDomenico will also suit up for tonight’s game.

Following the game, the Leafs prospects will be signing autographs for 30 minutes on the main floor of the John Labatt Centre in London, Ont.

The Leafs complete roster can be found here and the full tournament schedule here.

If you’re not attending tonight’s game, but are still interested in watching the tournament, tune into Rogers TV or MapleLeafs.com at 7:00 pm. The game will also be replayed on Leafs TV at 11:00 pm. Visit www.leafsnationonline.com following the game for a recap of what happened and analysis of the game.

I’ll be in attendance at tonight’s game, where I’ll be providing updates on the game and sharing my thoughts on each player throughout the contest. Follow us on Twitter @leafsnationweb for the latest throughout the weekend.