The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially begun preparations for the 2026-27 NHL season as training camp gets underway.
Following a disappointing campaign that ended with head coach Craig Berube losing his job, Toronto entered the offseason determined to make major changes. New general manager John Chayka reshaped the roster, creating renewed expectations around a team looking to return to championship contention.
The Maple Leafs will begin their regular-season schedule on Sept. 29 when they host the Montreal Canadiens in the opening game of the new NHL season.
Maple Leafs Make Eight Early Training Camp Cuts
With camp officially underway, Toronto wasted little time making its first roster decisions.
The organization announced that four prospects were returned to their respective junior teams after taking part in the 2026 NHL Prospect Challenge.
The players sent back to junior were defenseman Rylan Fellinger, forward Brody Pepoy, goaltender Patriks Plūmiņš, and forward Cooper Williams.
Fellinger, a sixth-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, returns to Flint after posting 16 points in 65 OHL games last season. Pepoy, chosen in the sixth round of the 2026 draft, heads back to Saginaw after recording 29 points in his previous OHL campaign.
Plūmiņš, a fourth-round pick in 2026, will continue developing with Chicoutimi in the QMJHL after playing in Latvia last season. Williams, selected in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, was also reassigned after an impressive WHL season that saw him collect 57 points in 66 games with Saskatoon.
Toronto also announced the release of four players who were participating on amateur tryout agreements. Sebastian Charvát, Matyas Man, Parker Vaughan, and Nic Whitehead were all let go as the team continued trimming its training camp roster.
None of the eight departures came as a major surprise, as the moves were expected steps in the evaluation process rather than significant roster shakeups.
New Era Begins in Toronto
The Maple Leafs entered camp with a fresh coaching voice after hiring Jim Hiller as their new head coach.
Hiller returns to Toronto with previous experience inside the organization, having served as an assistant coach under Mike Babcock. His familiarity with the franchise and several players has created optimism as the team begins a new chapter.
Captain Auston Matthews welcomed the return of Hiller and highlighted the importance of communication between the coaching staff and players.
Matthews pointed to Hiller’s ability to connect with players and build relationships as a key strength, something Toronto believes will help guide the team moving forward.
With a revamped roster, a new head coach, and increased expectations, the Maple Leafs enter the 2026-27 season looking to prove they can once again compete among the NHL’s elite.