Leafs reduce their training camp roster by announcing their first set of cuts

The team has reduced their training camp roster to 70 players, sending Sam McCue, Maxim Muranov, Miroslav Holinka, Marshall Finnie, and defenseman Nathan Mayes back to their junior teams.

These cuts aren't surprising, as most of these players were long shots to make the roster. They need more development in junior hockey before they're ready to make the jump to the pros, unless they have a breakout season that forces the team to reconsider. The most notable name is Marshall Finnie, who was involved in injuring rookie Ben Danford during a practice scrimmage. While it's not confirmed that this incident led to his cut, the Leafs have little tolerance for reckless play, and Finnie will need to work on controlling himself on the ice.

McCue, drafted 216th overall this year, will return to the OHL to play for Owen Sound after a decent season with Peterborough and Owen Sound. Muranov, another winger, will go back to the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL after scoring 22 goals last season. Holinka and Finnie are also headed to the WHL, where Holinka will rejoin the Edmonton Oil Kings, and Mayes will return to Spokane to gain more experience.

None of these players stood out as likely to make the team, especially with Finnie's carelessness, but the Leafs still have 70 players in camp. It'll be interesting to see who else is cut as the team continues to shape its roster for the start of the season in October.