Outside the Leafs’ locker room at the Mastercard Centre in Etobicoke, Rich Clune paused from detailing his summer workout to reach across the hallway and grab Connor Carrick’s biceps.



“He’s got some,” Clune said, mid-squeeze. “I mean, Connor Carrick for his age, it took me a little bit longer to kind of figure it out obviously with my history, but he has a lot going for himself. If he keeps on that track he’s going to be a pretty powerful defenceman in the NHL for a long time. He’s a good example for a lot of young guys. And older guys, too. He’s one of those people who, you know in martial arts they call it the white-belt mentality, where you always go back and you’re coachable and you’re always looking to learn.”



A few days earlier, when the Leafs finished up their annual fitness testing and announced the winner of the team’s annual training camp iron man competition, it was Carrick who...