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 longer term.
Head coach Craig Berube determined to provide 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 whole factors. Not dangerous. Regardless of “nerves,” which he acknowledged, he performed a more-than-decent recreation.
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 targeted regardless of the nerves, and taking a second to focus on what it means to share a locker room with elite gamers.
“Clearly, I have never had these nerves in a very long time, simply taking part in hockey, going out for warm-ups. However yeah, I am tremendous grateful for the chance. Not the consequence we needed, however you realize, I assumed there have been some good issues that we did,” Haymes said.
“Actually, I believe I performed effectively as a result of I simply did not suppose a complete lot tonight,” he mentioned when requested about his robust efficiency. “My legs had been there as a result of the adrenaline was pumping (…) However I believe I did a superb job of simply getting within the forecheck and attempting to create stuff for my linemates.”
When requested about his favourite second from the beginning of his NHL profession, Haymes mentioned, “Actually, simply being within the room with the fellows, like a whole lot of large names in right here, guys who’ve labored actually arduous to get to the place they’re. And to be within the room with them and type of simply share a second of an NHL recreation was actually cool.”
Giving alternatives to younger gamers like Haymes is exactly what Toronto’s fan base had been hoping for following the workforce’s elimination from playoff competition. The Canadian ahead seems to have the potential to be an answer, or at the very least an attention-grabbing possibility, for the franchise going ahead.
With simply three video games remaining within the common season, Berube probably has at the very least a pair extra names in thoughts to experiment with.
