Leafs Are Back In T.O.

The Leafs arrive back in Toronto tonight after spending ten days in Sweden and Finland. Playing well throughout the trip, the Leafs went 3 - 0 in the exhibition games against local clubs.

Niuewendyk, the late off-season acquisition, displayed a plethora of talents during the exhibition games which look to be very promising and most definitely beneficial to the team's second line.

Goaltending prospects, Mikeal Tellqvist and Jamie Hodson, played solid hockey in the Leafs most recent game, splitting a shutout in dominant fashion. One of these two men will be given the backup role to start the season, at least until Trevor Kidd recovers from his shoulder injury.

Another positive situation that has presented itself is the play of defense prospect Maxim Kondratiev, who, along with decent defensive play, has exhibited a strong offensive flare. He is probably in the same situation as Carlo Coliacovo was a year ago. His strong play will leave an impression but he is probably a year away.

The measuring stick, I say this tongue in cheek because remember it is Buffalo, will come tomorrow when the Leafs take on their first NHL opponent of the season, the Buffalo Sabres. Judging from last year's standings Buffalo may not be much of a measuring stick but in terms of NHL opposition, they fit that criterion.