Not in the lineup versus the Penguins were Nikita Korostelev, Matt Finn, Frederik Gauthier, TJ Foster, Justin Nichols, Cameron Lizotte, Travis Dermott, JJ Piccinich, and Bradley Latour.
Despite adding three dynamic options, Toronto’s big guns came out of the gates rather dismal in the opening period, with their highlights consisting of low-quality backhand saucer attempts through large traffic areas instantly turning into turnovers. Sure, exhibition play in a “rookie” tournament is a great time to try the cutesy stuff, but there is a time and place for it every situation. Nik Brouillard, once again, turned heads in the opening frame with his smart and confident puck rushing ability.