With six points in his first seven NHL games, Maple Leafs rookie winger Connor Brown is once again producing at the next level, something he has done all of his hockey life.

His three-assist night on Tuesday in the Leafs' 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers may have been overshadowed somewhat byNazem Kadri's hat trick, but it was a nice confidence boost for the Etobicoke native.

"It's one of those situations where the puck just follows you," Brown said. "Once you settle in, you just feel way more comfortable wanting to make plays. When you have an early point or early success, it really carries through."

After his initial adjustment, Brown has felt more comfortable by the game, a confidence that got an added boost when he was put on a line with centreTyler Bozak.

"The sticks are better and people seem to be in the right spots," Brown said. "Playing with (Bozak) it makes the game a lot easier. He's always looking for give-and-goes and stuff like that and I feel like I'm on the same wavelength as him as to where he wants me to be.

"I'm settling in and it's nice to get a few points to show for it."

HELP ON THE WAY

With forwards Byron Froese and Peter Hollandnearing a return from the injury ward, expect the path to the Toronto Marlies to get a little more worn.

That process started on Wednesday, when veteran forward Ben Smithwas placed on waivers. In 16 games since he was acquired from the San Jose Sharks, Smith has two goals and four assists.

Though some of the young prospects have had the opportunity to play and produce, don't be surprised if a couple are headed back to the Marlies soon as well.

The Leafs want the Marlies to prepare for a long playoff run and that will bring about some roster changes.

"All these kids, eventually, they're going to go down and play for the Marlies," Leafs coach Mike Babcock said. "When we get our guys healthy they'll go down. But they've done a good job while they're here and they've set themselves up for next year."

LOOSE LEAFS

The Buffalo Sabres, like the Leafs, did not practise on Wednesday, taking the day off. The club announced during the day that goalie Robin Lehnerhas had surgery on his right ankle and will miss the rest of the season, which is five games for the Sabres ... Buffalo rookie defenceman Casey Nelson has four points in his first three NHL games ... Sabres forwardEvander Kane (upper body) could return to play the Leafs on Thursday night after missing a 5-4 shootout loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday ... A scoresheet note from the Panthers game: The Leafs scored at even strength, with the power play and on the penalty kill, the first time they connected in all three situations during a game this season ... It didn't come in a Leafs uniform as he had dreamt, but former Toronto draft pick Greg McKegg got his first NHL goal Tuesday scoring for the Panthers late in the 5-2 loss. "It was a real special moment," McKegg said. "Any time you get your first goal in the National Hockey League is a dream come true." ... They may have been the latest victims to the hard-working Leafs, but it wasn't a case of the Panthers taking them lightly. "The guys know, they watch hockey and saw the Leafs play Tampa (in a 3-0 loss on Monday) and saw them play a good game," Panthers coach Gerrard Gallant said. "They are playing real confident."