Leafs go out of their way to make scrimmage exciting…

Phase 3 is underway in the National Hockey League and it seems like it might not be exciting enough for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are getting ready to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets in a best-of-five series at the start of the 24-team playoff tournament. 

In order to get some excitement to their players and the media members, it seems, the coaching staff decided to pin roommates Auston Matthews and Frederik Andersen against one another in scrimmage and even asked the reporters on site to submit their vote for the Phase 3 Most Valuable Player. 

Things are getting serious! 

Matthews can count on his captain John Tavares, forwards Mitch Marner and William Nylander, as well as blue liners Tyson Barrie and Rasmus Sandin. 

As for Andersen, he will need to encourage teammates Jake Muzzin and Morgan Reilly, as well as forwards Kasperi Kapanen, Fred Gauthier and Alex Kerfoot. 

Check out the full roster right here: 

Media members need to wait for the end of the series to crown their MVP. I guess this brings an exciting element to Phase 3. 

Leafs will compete and motivate themselves to get the rust off in order to get ready for the Blue Jackets and move forward in the postseason. 

Who do you believe will be crowned the Maple Leafs’ most valuable player in the scrimmage series?