The Leafs got their first win of the preseason and as good as it is to get a victory, they don’t really matter too much. What does matter is how well Ilya Mikheyev (Mickey) and Rasmus Sandin looked out there against the Sabres.
I’ve made jokes saying Mickey is the front runner to become Babcock’s new toy this season, but his play has been very impactful in these two games. He’s strong along the walls and puts himself in good areas throughout the offensive zone and has slowly showed off some of his offensive skill.