League steps in to prevent Leafs from gaining tactical advantage in Phase 3

When it comes to the NHL's Return to Play plan, all teams are on equal footing in the sense that they are all trying to navigate through a rather unorthodox situation, what with training camps in July in preparation for a Stanley Cup race that begins in August, but according to reports, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been trying to gain a tactical advantage over their competitors by using referees and linesmen during practice for a more "authentic" feel.

The Leafs had been using referees and linesmen during special teams drills on Tuesday, and likely would have done the same on Monday had the officials been available. However, due to COVID-19 testing occurring for the officials on Monday, they were not available in advance of the morning sessions.

According to head coach Sheldon Keefe, per Sportsnet's Chris Johnston, the NHL has since stepped in and informed the Leafs that they are not to utilize officials in this manner moving forward, effectively halting any advantage the Buds may have had as they proceed with on-ice sessions for the duration of Phase 3.

Per TSN's Kristen Shilton, who covers the Maple Leafs exclusively, teams were not opposed to the idea of using on-ice officials during practices, but due to the fact that the same resources were not made available to all teams, it had to stop, for obvious reasons.

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