HAMILTON - It’s been quite a week for the Toronto Argonauts with the trading of quarterback Michael Bishop, release of veteran safety Orlondo Steinauer and speculation swirling about the potential return of Mike (Pinball) Clemons to the sidelines.

But Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Casey Printers isn’t buying the idea that Toronto is a team in turmoil, saying he believes it’s all a smokescreen heading into the annual Labour Day clash Monday at Ivor Wynne Stadium (TSN, 7:30 p.m. ET).

“Are you guys buying that?” Printers said following Hamilton’s walk-through Sunday. “You know the best way for a team to focus, in my opinion, is to start throwing a lot of smokescreens out there and everyone is thinking you’re in disarray and all of a sudden everybody is focused and wanting to get back on task so much so that they shut everyone else up outside the locker-room.

“When you do that kind of stuff, it gets guys coming together so I don’t buy it, not one bit. They’re going to come out ready to play, no doubt about it.”

Toronto (3-5) and Hamilton (2-6) have plenty to play for.

Both teams have struggled through the first half of the regular season but there will be some light at the end of the tunnel for the winner. The victor, at worst, will be tied for second in the East Division behind the front-running Montreal Alouettes (6-3) to start the second half of the campaign.

And considering the very real threat of the fourth-place West Division club crossing over into the East come playoff time, Toronto, Hamilton and Winnipeg are all scrambling for one playoff spot within the division.

The Argos could also be fighting for rookie head coach Rich Stubler’s job.

Speculation is swirling that Argos chief executive officer Mike (Pinball) Clemons could be summoned back to the sidelines to replace Stubler should Toronto lose to Hamilton.

One CFL source requesting anonymity says the subject of returning to coaching has been broached with Clemons but that he’s not keen on the idea. That’s not surprising given Clemons has a close relationship with Stubler, his hand-picked successor as the club’s head coach.

Argos general manager Adam Rita says as far as he’s concerned there’s no truth to the talk about Clemons returning to coach and he doesn’t believe Stubler’s job is in immediate peril. There’s no doubt, though, Stubler will definitely be on the hot seat should his club lose

Argos defensive tackle Adriano Belli certainly didn’t hide his support for Stubler on Sunday.

“In my opinion, coach Stubler is a confidence-builder,” Belli said. “He’s one of those coaches that gets a whole team up and ready to play.

“I’m with him all the way and every time I hit the quarterback, it’s for him.”

Predictably, Stubler says he’s not concerned about talk regarding his future in Toronto.

“My whole focus has been to win this football game,” he said. “It has nothing do with anything else in life.

“My life is defined by the 23 football games we get to play every year. It’s not defined by the other things that are outside the borders of that.”

Both teams shuffled their rosters for this contest.

Bishop’s departure to Saskatchewan will leave Cody Pickett as the backup to starter Kerry Joseph with Reggie McNeal starting at receiver and serving as the emergency No. 3 quarterback.

The Argos offence will welcome back speedy receiver Bethel Johnson from a high ankle sprain.

“That’s a huge thing for us, it gives us great speed,” Stubler said. “We’ll put him and No. 5 (Arland Bruce III) side by side and see if they can double-cover both of them.”

Defensively, veteran Kenny Wheaton moves to safety to replace Steinauer with CFL rookie Jason Shivers taking Wheaton’s spot at defensive back. Stubler doesn’t believe the changes will limit what coverages the secondary can play in passing situations.

“I think it will be just fine,” he said. “I don’t foresee any problems.”

Hamilton’s offence will be bolstered by the return of Printers, running back Jesse Lumsden, receiver Tony Miles and offensive lineman George Hudson, all from injury.

Ticats head coach Charlie Taaffe says having Printers and Lumsden back is a big boost to the unit.

“They’re two of our highest profile and productive players,” he said. “Casey is No. 1 for a reason, same with Jesse.

“They both give us great ability but they’re also our offensive leaders.”

Lumsden’s return will only enhance Hamilton’s CFL-best rushing attack. The Ticats are averaging 178 yards per game while the Argos are allowing a league-high 156 yards rushing per game.

Belli, for one, is looking forward to the challenge of trying to stop Lumsden.

“He’s a great athlete, a great kid,” the colourful defensive tackle said. “But you know what? I’ve been playing this game and half our defence has been playing this game when he was popping zits and eating bologne sandwiches in college.

“There’s nothing different. Same team, we just have to come out with a win.”

Hamilton rushed for over 300 yards in a 32-13 road win over Toronto on July 3, with Lumsden accounting for 189 yards and two TDs. Both Printers and Lumsden were hurt for the Ticats’ 45-21 home win over the Argos on Aug. 7, but backup quarterback Richie Williams threw for 293 yards and three TDs - Hamilton’s only touchdown passes this year - while Terry Caulley accounted for 127 of the club’s 210 yards rushing and also had a TD.

Lumsden, who had been sidelined with an ankle injury, says he’s prepared to play in pain.

“I’m sure there will be some, I hope there is,” he said. “Pain and cold are the only things that let you know you’re alive so I don’t mind that.

“It’s another game but Labour Day is always extra special and it’s a lot of fun to play in.”

So too is Printers, who missed time with a thumb injury.

“I just have to deal with some stuff, that’s all it is and boils down to,” he said. “I’ve just got to toughen up.

“It starts (Monday) for us. It’s time to put the past behind us and move forward.”

Notes: Quarterback Timmy Chang, who was released by the Ticats earlier this week, has signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The former Hawaii star is in his second CFL season … Corey Mace, a defensive lineman from Port Moody, B.C., who was released Saturday by the Buffalo Bills, was placed on the NFL club’s practice roster Sunday. He spent all of last year on the PR.