The Maple Leafs player development camp has entered its final stages and of course there was a horse involved. Why? Well, even some of the players don't seem to know. But they went to the Horse Palace at the Exhibition Place (directly beside the Coliseum where the Marlies play) and apparently got a lesson from a professional horse trainer on respect and team building.

Here's one more presser from the camp.

The future Leafs at least appeared to be enjoying themselves, even if confused. Though two players at the camp in particular were having a blast and a reunion far from home in Sweden.

Free Agency Update

So we're now into the long haul portion of free agency. As a reminder from NHL.com, here's where the Leafs stand:

Group 2 Restricted Free Agents:
Dennis Hildeby, Roni Hirvonen (signed: Karpat of Finland), Matthew Knies (re-signed), Topi Niemela (signed: Malmo of Sweden), Nicholas Robertson, William Villeneuve.

Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents:
Jani Hakanpaa, Steven Lorentz (re-signed), Nicolas Mattinen (signed: Mannheim of Germany), Dakota Mermis (re-signed), Matt Murray (signed: SEA), Alex Nylander, Max Pacioretty.

Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents:
Nick Abruzzese (signed: TBL), Alex Steeves (signed: BOS).

Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer):
Pontus Holmberg (signed: TBL), Reese Johnson, Mikko Kokkonen, Cedric Pare.

Summary
Here are the players that had Leafs contracts last season that are still have no contract for next season:

Dennis Hildeby
Nicholas Robertson
William Villeneuve
Alex Nylander
Max Pacioretty
Reese Johnson
Mikko Kokkonen
Cedric Paré

Oh, and Jani Hakanpää, if you believe he will play again.

Other News

Canadian hockey broadcasting has now lost Bob McKenzie to officially full retirement, but we still have one final season of Joe Bowen before he signs off for the final time since his broadcast career with the Leafs began in 1982.

Joe Bowen reflects on legendary career, looks forward to final season
Toronto Maple Leafs’ legendary broadcaster, former Sudbury Wolves play-by-play voice to retire after 2025-26 season
Sudbury StarJeff Giffen For The Sudbury Star

Speaking of retirement, there was an early one yesterday. I'm surprised at 28 that Fischer didn't give the Europe route a try, but he may have waited to long to decide, as hockey season in Europe starts in September and teams are already mostly formed. Apparently he's going into the golf business in Arizona which is a very hockey player retirement, up there with buying a vineyard, becoming a stock broker, or a real estate agent in Muskoka.

Christian Fischer retires from NHL at 28 after nine seasons | TSN
After nine seasons in the NHL, forward Christian Fischer has announced he has retired from professional hockey at age 28 on Friday.
TSNTSN.ca Staff
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