As training camp is in full swing, the Toronto Maple Leafs are prepared to make roughly 20 cuts on Sunday, getting their roster down to a more manageable number.

The team will assign 1/3 of their current roster to the AHL Marlies’ training camp and begin to have more intense practices, which is music to the ears of Mike Babcock. While the Coach has a pretty good sense of how his 12 forwards are going to look, he admitted after Saturday’s game in Buffalo, he has no idea what he’s going to do with his defence:

The D thing isn’t sorted out for me one bit, to be honest with you. I’m more confused after the game tonight

Let’s start with the non-confusing part

Morgan Rielly, Cody Ceci, Tyson Barrie and Jake Muzzin are absolute locks. Barrie and Muzzin have complimented each other nicely, improving on their chemistry they created playing together in the World Championships. Morgan Rielly obviously isn’t going anywhere, however, expect to see a short leash on Cody Ceci. The Ottawa native will be given every chance to play with Morgan Rielly and be on the Leafs ‘top-pair’, however, if the first 15 games don’t go as planned, expect some juggling.

so who rounds out the bottom pair?

Rasmus Sandin has been the golden child of training camp as the smooth-skating Swede has impressed with his hockey IQ and quick feet. Sandin won’t turn 20 until next March, so the Maple Leafs management team will have a huge decision to make if they want to start his clock in the NHL. One thing that could hamper his chances of making the team is, if he plays more than 40 games this season, the Maple Leafs have to protect him in the Seattle, Expansion Draft. Let’s hope they don’t hold the kid back, Sandin deserves to make the team opening night. But is he tough enough for the show?

This single play is putting Rasmus Sandin on the team pic.twitter.com/yA5MnDCLjW

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) September 21, 2019

Ben Harpur may have an inside track on the last spot. Although Coach Babcock loves himself some right hand-right side, left hand-left side, perhaps the team will consider having Harpur on the left side and put Sandin on the right. Much like Travis Dermott plays when he’s healthy. Harpur has impressed the club with his willingness to stick up for his new teammates, his reach, and his first pass. Harpur isn’t flashy, but he’s tough, something the Leafs lack. He led the league in fighting majors last year and could be a great security blanket for the kids.

Ben Harpur reflecting on his fight in Wednesday's preseason game, saying he wishes in hindsight he didn't draw an instigator penalty but that, "[Even though] I’m new here, those are my teammates; those are my brothers. I’ll stick up for them every time."

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) September 21, 2019

Coach Babcock is contemplating names like Sandin’s, Harpur’s, Justin Holl’s, Jordan Schmaltz’s, and Timothy Liljegren. All have shown flashes of brilliance, while, at other times, looked a step behind the play.

5 defencemen, 2 spots – the battle continues.

Meanwhile, Coach Babcock keeps waking up confused.

Decisions, decisions.

https://crier.co/sports/nhl/maple-leafs/auston-matthews-is-the-perfect-choice-to-be-captain-of-the-maple-leafs/