According to James “Battle of California” Mirtle, the Toronto Maple Leafs have assigned Brooks Laich to the Toronto Marlies for the start of the 2016-17 season.

After arriving in Toronto last spring with Connor Carrick from the Washington Capitals, Laich played out the string with the Leafs, putting up 7 points (1G, 6A) in 21 games with the team.

Talk around camp was Laich would be kept around to be a veteran presence on the team, help the young kids out throughout the season and be a 13/14 forward in the press box. It seems however, that role has been given to the unsigned Brandon Prust:

Brandon Prust: "Babs told me to kind of act like I'm part of the team"



Skated with main group today, had locker in room — Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 11, 2016

Prust gave Marner pointers on how to protect himself the other day; Brandon smiles, "If I want some stick handling tips I'll go to Mitch" — Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 11, 2016

Now what will Laich do? First, he’ll report to the Toronto Marlies, and I assume he’ll share the mentor role with Rich Clune.

The 33 year old Laich is on the final year of his contract, that will pay him $4.5 million, with a matching AAV on the cap. By being sent to the AHL, the Maple Leafs receive $950,000 in cap relief to start the season.

Final NHL rosters are due at 5:00 PM (EST) today.