Leafs prepare for challenges of being road team in Toronto

Despite Toronto being chosen as a hub city for the NHL's return to play, the Maple Leafs are adjusting to not having full use of their regular amenities.

To level the playing field, the NHL is making distinct efforts to ensure the host teams - Toronto and Edmonton - don't get full use of their facilities. For example, the Maple Leafs will have to use the visitors' dressing rooms and converted media room space for games where they're the "road" team.

"That's going to be quite challenging," head coach Sheldon Keefe told Sportsnet's Chris Johnston on Tuesday. "I think we've got enough time next week where we're going to get that feeling."

Captain John Tavares said the Leafs won't have time to dwell on the differences from their normal routine.

"I think for our group, the getting comfortable with being uncomfortable (is important) and dealing with the uncertainties and things that you're accustomed to or used to, just realizing they may not be there," Tavares said. "You might not have access to that. We're the visiting team in our building, there's going to be no fans.

"It just is what it is."

The Maple Leafs are the visiting team for their exhibition contest versus the Montreal Canadiens on July 28. Afterward, they're the home squad for Games 1, 2, and 5, if necessary, for their play-in series versus the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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