TORONTO -- Free agent goaltender Karri Ramo practised with the Maple Leafs on Friday afternoon.
Ramo, who spent last season with the Calgary Flames, joined Toronto's tandem of Frederik Andersen and Jhonas Enroth on the ice at Mastercard Centre. The 30-year-old, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury last February, has not been signed by the Leafs despite his inclusion at practice.
Leafs coach Mike Babcock seemed to suggest that the team's general manager Lou Lamoriello was helping out Ramo's agent, Todd Diamond, by letting Ramo join the workout. "His agent has a relationship with Lou," Babcock said.
Babcock added he wanted to spare No. 1 Frederik Andersen from a few extra shots after he faced 43 in a 2-1 win Thursday night over the Buffalo Sabres.
Ramo is currently rehabbing with a therapist in Toronto, according to Diamond, and has not yet received medical clearance to return to full practices or games. Once he receives that clearance, his camp will evaluate available opportunities.
Babcock was unsure whether there was any future with Toronto for Ramo, who suffered his injury during a collision with fellow Finn Joonas Donskoi. The Leafs have Andersen and Enroth solidified as their NHL tandem, but limited experience beyond that. Garret Sparks has played 17 NHL games, while Antoine Bibeau has yet to make his NHL debut.
Toronto has extended a similar opportunity to former Montreal Canadiens forward Brandon Prust, who is also without a contract for this season, but continues to practice with the team.
Ramo went 17-18-1 with a .909 save percentage for the Flames last year.
