Travis Dermott will heavily contend for a spot on the Leafs’ roster at training camp. If Sunday’s rookie tournament outing versus the Ottawa Senators is any indication, Toronto’s 2015 second-round draft choice will be hard to overlook.
Dermott displayed his physical acumen with a crunching body check on Ottawa’s Gabriel Gagne, to the appreciation of the Ricoh Coliseum crowd. His presence in the lineup – after missing Friday’s game – elevated the team, according to coach Sheldon Keefe.
“With his abilities, and his experience, he makes the whole group feel a little bit better,” Keefe said. ” He eats a lot of minutes and makes people feel comfortable.