Photo: Claus Andersen
Twenty-four hours after getting traded, former Capitals Brooks Laich and Connor Carrick made their debuts for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Laich, wearing number 23 (weird), had a shot and a hit in 12:27 of ice. Carrick, wearing number 8 (bold), had three hits in 19:13 TOI (fourth most on the team). Carrick also fought J.T. Brown in his second NHL bout. The Leafs fell to the Lightning 2-1, but they outshot Tampa 32-28.
After the game, Laich admitted that “there’s certain times where a little wave of emotion comes” when he thinks about his 12-year career with the Caps being over.
Here are more quotes from Laich gathered by local Leafs reporters.
Sunk in yet for Brooks Laich that Caps career is over? "I really don’t know. There’s certain times where a little wave of emotion comes."
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 1, 2016
Leafs face Caps next; Laich "Ain’t that something. Enjoyed laughs with the guys via text today that, ‘I’ll meet them in corner on Wednesday’
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 1, 2016
Laich: "Very thankful for my time in Washington, the people there, tremendous friends, big impact on my life, going to have mixed emotions"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 1, 2016
Great perspective from Brooks Laich when asked if he'll be a mentor to young Leafs pic.twitter.com/2Zwka5qyNA
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 1, 2016
Laich: "12 terrific years in Washington. A big part of my life, but very excited to be a Maple Leaf now."
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 1, 2016
Laich on trade: "Bit of mixed emotions. Having put in 12 years of service there, I was really hoping to chase down a Stanley Cup." #Leafs
— Terry Koshan 🇺🇦 (@koshtorontosun) March 1, 2016
More from Laich: "Change is part of life. Playing in the NHL is a privilege, I still love the game, love the game more than ever." #Leafs
— Terry Koshan 🇺🇦 (@koshtorontosun) March 1, 2016
One more from Laich: "I am very excited to be here. I don’t want anybody to discount that. I plan to prove it to my teammates." #Leafs
— Terry Koshan 🇺🇦 (@koshtorontosun) March 1, 2016
Laich met "Mr. Babcock" for 1st time today. "Really into the game. Very sharp. It’s almost like he is right on the ice with you." #Leafs
— Terry Koshan 🇺🇦 (@koshtorontosun) March 1, 2016
In an interview before the game, Laich also admitted that “my heart was really there” in Washington.
@JapersRink @russianmachine He’s a class act pic.twitter.com/lFvuH0LLaf
— James Robson (@hockeyfan_62) March 1, 2016
What are you feeling right now?
Brooks Laich: A lot of emotions. Had a good situation in DC. Had been there for 12 years. A lot of friends. My heart was really there but really excited to be here tonight. Met the guys today, play tonight. Very excited to be here.
What can you bring to the Leafs?
Brooks Laich: Maybe a little veteran poise. I was joking with some of the guys i the back, ‘I still feel like a guy, too.’ For me, I’ve been with the same organization for 12 years and this is my first game out of it. I feel like a kid.”
Also, here’s Carrick’s fight via Hockey Fights.
Photo: Graig Abel
