Regardless of dropping 3-5 to the New York Islanders on Thursday, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired one thing out of the sport and sure discovered a brand new offensive answer for the long run.
Head coach Craig Berube determined to present middle Luke Haymes the chance to make his NHL debut, and the rookie responded with an help in 12:47 of ice time and confirmed loads of confidence all through the sport.
Haymes, 22, had performed 64 video games this season with the Toronto Marlies within the AHL, recording 17 targets and 15 assists for 32 complete factors. Not dangerous. Regardless of “nerves,” which he acknowledged, he performed a more-than-decent sport.
Luke Haymes shines in NHL debut for Maple Leafs with help
After the sport, Haymes spoke to the media, addressing what it was prefer to make his debut, how he managed to remain centered regardless of the nerves, and taking a second to spotlight what it means to share a locker room with elite gamers.
“Clearly, I have never had these nerves in a very long time, simply enjoying hockey, going out for warm-ups. However yeah, I am tremendous grateful for the chance. Not the consequence we wished, however you understand, I assumed there have been some good issues that we did,” Haymes said.
“Actually, I believe I performed nicely as a result of I simply did not assume a complete lot tonight,” he stated when requested about his robust efficiency. “My legs have been there as a result of the adrenaline was pumping (…) However I believe I did a very good job of simply getting within the forecheck and making an attempt to create stuff for my linemates.”
When requested about his favourite second from the beginning of his NHL profession, Haymes stated, “Actually, simply being within the room with the fellows, like plenty of huge names in right here, guys who’ve labored actually laborious to get to the place they’re. And to be within the room with them and sort of simply share a second of an NHL sport was actually cool.”
Giving alternatives to younger gamers like Haymes is exactly what Toronto’s fan base had been hoping for following the group’s elimination from playoff competition. The Canadian ahead seems to have the potential to be an answer, or at the least an fascinating choice, for the franchise going ahead.
With simply three video games remaining within the common season, Berube possible has at the least a pair extra names in thoughts to experiment with.
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