"It is all difficult. All this stuff. He has played pretty well for us. It is tough to see him go. But that is the situation we're in. It is a tight-knit group in there. They won't be happy about it. Again, we put ourselves in this situation, so this is what happens."
"He is definitely going to get more of a look to see what he can do. Second-year pro. It will be a good experience for him to come up here. Use his speed. That is a big asset for him: his speed and being competitive. Keep the game simple as best he can."
"I just think the way Auston leads is through example. He plays the game on both sides of the puck. He is committed to winning. He wants to win. I thought he did a great job off the ice as far as rallying the team and building camaraderie around activities away from the rink."
The Maple Leafs face the Rangers during deadline week with significant roster changes. Nic Roy has been traded away, prompting emotional reactions from coach Craig Berube about the difficult situation and its impact on the tight-knit locker room. Bobby McMann, Oliver Ekholm, and Scott Laughton sit out for roster management purposes, though they want to play. Jacob Quillan, a second-year professional, steps into the center position and will get an extended opportunity to demonstrate his abilities, particularly his speed and competitiveness. Rangers coach Mike Sullivan reflects on his Olympic experience with Auston Matthews and praises Matthews' leadership style, which emphasizes example-setting and commitment to winning both on and off the ice.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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