How Daniel Alfredsson will assist Maple Leafs vs. Senators

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The Maple Leafs’ covert intelligence bureau intends to make full use of Daniel the Defector. 

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As soon as Toronto and Ottawa received over the shock of Daniel Alfredsson altering sides within the Battle of Ontario, the Leafs may assess simply how Alfredsson’s years helping with the Senators may assist them glean key information. 

On Wednesday, the Leafs and Sens tangle in split-squad exhibitions, although not like final week in opposition to Montreal, Alfredsson received’t take the top coach function in Bytown.

As ‘affiliate’ coach, he’ll be on the bench with Jim Hiller at Scotiabank Area for the primary time, whereas John Gruden runs the travelling staff.

“He gave us some enter this morning on a few of the stuff Ottawa does properly,” Hiller mentioned of Alfredsson. “That’s a useful resource for us.” 

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The Senators are right here for actual on Oct. 3, Toronto’s third sport of the season. Ottawa made the playoffs once more this previous spring, whereas the Leafs didn’t after 9 straight seasons, because the Atlantic Division rivals went in reverse instructions. However this 12 months, with Brady Tkachuk going south to Florida and the Leafs higher on paper, there ought to be extra significant provincial hockey, which heightens the Alfie issue. 

“I feel the onerous one for him will probably be going again into Ottawa,” Hiller mentioned of street video games on Jan. 20 and Feb. 13. “There will probably be much more questions then.” 

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Centre Nick Paul, who has opposed his hometown Leafs in each Ottawa and Tampa Bay, is aware of what Alfredsson should be feeling. 

“It’s solely exhibition, however an enormous one for him. He’s most likely tremendous excited for this one,” Paul mentioned.

What are Leafs’ break up squad lineup plans?

Hiller received’t change a lot for this second and remaining dwelling sport with near his projected opening night time lineup. Sergei Bobrovsky is in web, dividing time with Artur Akhytyamov whereas backup Anthony Stolarz is the doubtless starter in Ottawa. 

A wholesome Morgan Rielly re-joins the defence after an early coaching camp viral an infection and can companion with Darren Raddysh.

Auston Matthews centres Matthew Knies and Jack Roslovic, whereas John Tavares is between rookie Gavin McKenna and William Nylander.

The fourth line’s destiny will not be clear, however Wednesday it’ll be Bo Groulx, Michael Pezzetta and Zack MacEwan. Teddy Blueger and Steven Lorentz are amongst these within the Ottawa sport who’ve the higher hand in getting a spot on the power line when the roster is accomplished.   

The scrutinized third defensive pairing right here Wednesday will probably be Troy Stecher and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Stecher is making an attempt to beat out Emil Andrae, Nick Blankenburg and Ben Danford within the high six. 

Lhornby@postmedia.com 

X: @sunhornby 

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