Babcock’s return, Holl’s homecoming among key dates for 2023-24 Maple Leafs

If you’re a fan of video tributes, rest assured, you’ll get your money’s worth in 2023-24.

Even though next season’s schedule was officially released two weeks ago, with all the recent roster turnover, there’s a plethora of new dates to consider circling on your Maple Leafs calendar.

First and foremost, let’s look at some of the marquee returns:

Furthermore, Spencer Carbery, who took the Washington Capitals head coaching job, will make his return to Scotiabank Arena on March 28. And so will Rasmus Sandin. Of course, the blue liner was dealt to D.C. just a few days before this year’s trade deadline.

Meantime, as we’re all very aware by now, the Leafs have made four notable additions so far this summer (no disrespect to Dylan Gambrell).

Also, another key date for John Klingberg will be January 3. That will mark the 30-year-old’s first game back in Anaheim since being dealt to Minnesota at last year’s trade deadline.

But there’s more.

December 14 should be an interesting night. That’s when Mike Babcock and his Columbus Blue Jackets will roll into town. Unbelievably, the much maligned 60-year-old’s eight-year, $50 million contract with Toronto finally concluded back on June 30. He officially signed with Columbus on July 1. Can’t wait for that video tribute.

Just two nights after that (December 16), Kyle Dubas will make his return to Toronto as GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Also, Brad Treliving visits Calgary for the first time since being canned on January 18.

Any way you slice it, the 2023-24 campaign promises to be a spicy one for the Maple Leafs.

Buckle up.