TORONTO - Burkie’s Balcony, the custom-built crow’s nest for the general manager at the Maple Leafs’ practice rink, will have to be re-named David’s Deck.
New GM David Nonis was not at the MasterCard Centre for the largest gathering of Leafs since the lockout ended, due to CBA legalities. But on his first full day of work, his presence was divinated nonetheless with training camp looming on Sunday. While about 25 Leafs skated, including seven Marlies callups and first-rounder Morgan Rielly, Nonis was reminding the Leafs via Rogers Sportsnet that, with Burke fired, they’re on the anvil, just as he is.
“Last year, it became evident there were players who didn’t play to expectations,” Nonis said. “Either they have to, or you change some of them. Our coaches will go with Step 1 for now. Randy Carlyle was very clear about that at the end of last year and will be again in a few days. We had guys who played (hard) 60 games or 55 and that’s not good enough. We’re not deep enough for that."
