Leafs finalize opening-night roster

At the Maple Leafs' practice facility, there is a hallway that separates the Leafs' pad from their American League-affiliate Marlies' rink. The walking distance between the two arenas takes just seconds to cross, but for the prospects in Toronto's organization trying to make the jump from the AHL to the NHL, it can seem like much longer. But as the 2018-19 NHL season drew closer - and the franchise's coaching and management made the final moves to produce the league's mandated 23-man roster - a number of longtime Marlies were elated to be informed they'd be starting the year with the Leafs.

SPARKS, HOLL AMONG LONGTIME MARLIES MAKING THE JUMP
Entering his seventh season in the organization, Garret Sparks completed a historic run last year with the Marlies - winning the Calder Cup, earning top goaltender honours and setting new franchise records in shutouts, wins, goals against average. He was elated to find out that he'd be taking the step up this season.
"There were a couple times where I didn't think it would happen, and that's what makes this even sweeter," said Sparks. "I feel like I'm a better goalie and a better person for the (training camp) competition I just went through."

Also making the jump is Justin Holl, who spent the past three seasons on the Marlies blueline in front of Sparks.
"It's very exciting to make the opening-(day) roster, and it's only made better by the fact that there's a couple guys that I played with the last couple years that are going to be here with me," added Holl. "It's really fun to have that group here, and I can't wait to get going."
Entering his 16th season in the NHL, Mike Babcock has a wealth of experience when it comes to the process of shaping final rosters. As far as he's concerned, the new faces on the team have earned the opportunity, and they're a product of a Marlies group that has done terrific work in building young NHLers.
"I think we've got eight (players) that were new as far as to the NHL on opening day," Babcock said Monday after practice. "That's growth through the organization, what we're able to do here (with) development (and) drafting, and yet obviously some big additions from the outside."

TAVARES' PRACTICE HABITS IMPRESSING TEAMMATES
The biggest addition from the outside clearly is centre John Tavares, who continued to impress his new teammates Monday with his ferocious approach to practice. That passion to improve is not lost on his teammates, who are striving to emulate his approach to his job.
"He's impressive, for sure," Leafs defenceman Travis Dermott said. "That energy he brings, as a leader and one of the more experienced guys on our team this year, is something that definitely rubs off on the larger group. It makes you want to win and get better, not just for yourself, but for your teammates and the organization. When you know everyone is out there working their tail off, it's a clear message, and we all want to buy into it."
And with Wednesday's season-opener some 48 hours away, the Leafs are savouring the moment and focusing on giving the home crowd at Scotiabank Arena a night - and a season - to remember.