NHL training camp is still just over six weeks away, but a pair of new Maple Leafs found plenty of attention when they met the media on Tuesday as part of a promotional photo shoot.
Forwards Kris Versteeg and Colby Armstrong got a chance to try on the blue and white and give some impressions of the season ahead with their new club.
"I think getting out here really helps it sink in," said Versteeg, a native of Lethbridge, Alberta who came over in a June 30 trade from the Chicago Blackhawks. "Everything that happened, I just don't quite believe it's real...and now you kind of get here, and I got to put on the Leafs uniform for a photo shoot, and it felt pretty good, so I'm excited about it.
"It's completely different, the atmosphere and the feel. I haven't seen this many cameras in a long time," added Versteeg.
For Armstrong, whose hometown is Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, the chance to play on home soil after stints in Pittsburgh and Atlanta is a refreshing change.
"I can't really believe it, it's still pretty crazy. It's nervous but exciting," explained Armstrong. "My whole family is so pumped, but my Dad, not so much. He's not a Leafs' fan, but he is now. That's what I found - people either love them or hate them, so it's pretty cool to come play in Canada, especially for the Leafs."
Both players will be counted on to help get Toronto back into the playoffs, and both see many positives in their new organization.
"Brian Burke, obviously he's one of the greatest GM's in the league," said Versteeg. "Ron Wilson is such a great coach, and I'm excited about it. There's a lot of young guys and great hockey players on this team, and I'm excited to get it started."
"I played against the Leafs I think twice in the last month of (last) season, and they're a good young team, tough to play against," explained Armstrong. "It reminded me a lot of when I was in Pittsburgh, where we were growing together as a group too, and I think they're going through the same thing. It happens quick, and it turns around quick."
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