As training camp opened on Thursday, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube kept a close eye on the lesser-known players in his squad. These players, often overlooked, are working hard in practice sessions that continue long after the media has left. Berube, who once faced similar challenges as an undrafted player, understands the importance of these opportunities.

“It’s not ideal, they have a lot of guys (close to 30), but they’ll put the work in that we did today and see where it goes,” Berube said about the development group. He noted that some of these players will likely see action in exhibition games, although he cautioned that not all of them would get a chance to play. “We only have six and we have to get our (main) team ready, too. But we’re looking for guys who show up and show us something.”

One player making a name for himself is defenceman Rhett Parsons. Hailing from Cremona, Alberta, a small town with a population of just 444, Parsons signed a two-year deal with the Marlies after graduating from the Medicine Hat Tigers in 2024. He began his career in the ECHL with the Cincinnati Cyclones. At 6-foot-3 and 222 pounds, he stood out on the ice during practice, weighing 12 pounds more than he did in the spring.

“I have a good trainer, did a lot of boxing and stairs and hopefully I stay in Toronto this year,” Parsons said. Known for his physical play, he recorded no goals and five assists last season, along with 116 penalty minutes. “It’s all about hard work,” he added, referring to his efforts to impress the coaching staff. “There were a lot of battle drills today, which I like as part of my game.”

Parsons’ journey has been shaped by his humble beginnings. “I lived on an acreage, but there’s not much downtown, a school, a gas station, a lot of farming,” he said with a laugh. Another undrafted player, Owen Conrad from Stellarton, Nova Scotia, is also vying for a spot on the team. The former Charlottetown Islander participated in July’s development camp and played in a game in Montreal during the recent Prospect Showcase.

“Wearing that Leaf sweater (No. 32) was pretty special, made you step back and think where you came from,” Conrad said. “I’m more motivated than ever. It has meant a lot being here, a lot of work has paid off with a lot of people behind me.”

In addition to the underdogs, the camp also features sibling dynamics. William Nylander expressed hope that he and his younger brother Alex could play together on the Maple Leafs. Alex, a former first-round pick by Buffalo, opted to sign with the Marlies last season after playing 121 games with four different teams. After a slow start with no points in five games, he is looking to secure a new deal with the organization.

On Thursday, the brothers were seen competing fiercely during drills. “Every summer we skate together and I thought he looked great today,” William said. “We’ll see what the future holds. We’re so close. It was special playing together, practising and going to the rink.” However, Alex will need to demonstrate significant improvement this fall to solidify his place in the organization.