Despite losing 3-5 to the New York Islanders on Thursday, the Toronto Maple Leafs got something out of the game and likely found a new offensive solution for the future.
Head coach Craig Berube decided to give center Luke Haymes the opportunity to make his NHL debut, and the rookie responded with an assist in 12:47 of ice time and showed plenty of confidence throughout the game.
Haymes, 22, had played 64 games this season with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, recording 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 total points. Not bad. Despite “nerves,” which he acknowledged, he played a more-than-decent game.
Luke Haymes shines in NHL debut for Maple Leafs with assist
After the game, Haymes spoke to the media, addressing what it was like to make his debut, how he managed to stay focused despite the nerves, and taking a moment to highlight what it means to share a locker room with elite players.
“Obviously, I haven’t had those nerves in a long time, just playing hockey, going out for warm-ups. But yeah, I’m super grateful for the opportunity. Not the result we wanted, but you know, I thought there were some good things that we did,” Haymes said.
“Honestly, I think I played well because I just didn’t think a whole lot tonight,” he said when asked about his strong performance. “My legs were there because the adrenaline was pumping (…) But I think I did a good job of just getting in the forecheck and trying to create stuff for my linemates.”
When asked about his favorite moment from the start of his NHL career, Haymes said, “Honestly, just being in the room with the guys, like a lot of big names in here, guys who have worked really hard to get to where they are. And to be in the room with them and kind of just share a moment of an NHL game was really cool.”
Giving opportunities to young players like Haymes is precisely what Toronto’s fan base had been hoping for following the team’s elimination from playoff contention. The Canadian forward appears to have the potential to be a solution, or at least an interesting option, for the franchise going forward.
With just three games remaining in the regular season, Berube likely has at least a couple more names in mind to experiment with.