Brooks Laich on waivers in Maple Leafs’ preseason surprise

As a child, Brooks Laich used to write school papers about one day being captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the absence of a captain entering the 2016-17 season, there was speculation he could be in contention for the honor as a 33-year-old important locker room voice.

Instead, it’s entirely possible he begins the season with the Toronto Marlies.

The Maple Leafs waived Laich in a preseason surprise. Also a surprise was forward Colin Greening, who played well after being acquired last season.

But it’s the Laich waiving that grabs the headlines, and not just in People Magazine. While he was expected to play 13 minutes or less, as he did last season after being acquired from the Washington Capitals, he was also expected to be a veteran sage to the team’s young talents.

From Laich, to the Toronto Sun:

Absolutely not. Listen, we have the best coaching staff in the world. These young guys will have many voices in their ears, telling them what they did right, what they did wrong, and what they can do better. My job is just to make them feel like they’re at home, and to get to know them personally. I got to know Mitch [Marner] the other day – about his brother, and his mom and dad. I love learning about people.

While there’s little chance Laich’s $4.5 million salary will be claimed, there’s still a chance he could end up on the NHL roster rather than designated to the AHL. But if he is demoted, the signal is clear from the Leafs: It’s the kids’ team.

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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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