Leafs prospects set for Rookie Tournament

When Sheldon Keefe took the reins for the Maple Leafs as head coach at the organization’s rookie tournament in London, Ont., last fall, he himself was a rookie – at least, in terms of working for the franchise. But he’s back this year with a great deal of success under his belt – a record-setting season as bench boss of the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies will do that for a head coach’s resume – and Keefe sees things unfolding very similarly in London with a new crop of young talent.

“I think it will be very similar as it was to last year,” Keefe told MapleLeafs.com prior to the rookie tournament, which kicks off Friday night and extends through Sunday. “I don’t think I need to adjust anything or deal with anything differently. There’s a lot of different things in place within the organization to help players, and my job is to focus on their development, and lots of other people help keep the players focused on what they need to focus on.

“The experience didn’t seem to be much of a problem last year, having some young players we had throughout the season, with the Marlies and the rookie tournament. The organization is aware of what it’s like to be a Maple Leaf, and they do a really nice job to prepare the players for it.”

The Leafs have invited 31 players to participate in the four-team tournament, which includes prospects from the Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators organizations. Some of Toronto’s players – 2016 draft picks Jack Walker and Keaton Middleton, for example – will be taking part in their first rookie tourney, while others – including London Knights star forward Mitch Marner and defensemen Andrew Nielsen and Travis Dermott – are back for a second go-round. In addition, 21-year-old centre Frederik Gauthier, who played for Keefe all season with the Marlies, will skate in his fourth rookie tournament. And Keefe will be looking to …

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