Luke Haymes got the call from the Maple Leafs but the real story is why he may not play
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled Luke Haymes on an emergency basis from the Toronto Marlies however much like Willam Villeneuve — his status is up in the air.
On Tuesday, the Maple Leafs made a roster move to bring in former NCAA standout Luke Haymes in from the Toronto Marlies as an emergency call-up ahead of the team's game vs. Washington on Wednesday:
The Maple Leafs made Haymes an emergency call-up with no real indication as to why
Much like William Villeneuve's call-up, there are questions about whether or not Haymes is going to play or if he's just insurance right now just in case.
At least he got some licks in practice as an extra however:
Haymes signed a two-year entry level contract last March after impressing at Dartmouth College. He took his college talents and translated that into a 32-point season for the Marlies which also includes 17 goals.
This should be a fantastic way for the Maple Leafs to see what he can do considering they are already eliminated from the playoffs, and losses don't mean anything but good things when it comes to their draft odds.
There are no new injuries, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson returned to practice, so that rules out Haymes being an extra body in practice, and besides Villeneuve is there anyways.
It's more of the same though from Toronto as they haven't really been clear all season about their injuries, and it could be a matter of a 'wait and see' approach where guys like Matthew Knies are asked how they feel and if it's worth pushing the rest of the year.
Villeneuve had this exact same thing happen, so whether Haymes plays is anyone's guess
Villeneuve was called up a couple of days after Ekman-Larsson left the game vs. San Jose, though was not scheduled to play against the Los Angeles Kings.
He's arguably the first player who should be given a chance considering it's been years he's sat in the AHL waiting for any chance. While Toronto uses names like Philippe Myers to try and bring some depth — the team lacked a true puck-mover which is where Villeneuve shines.
Haymes may be in the same boat, considering that Craig Berube loves to use his veterans as much as he can. Calle Jarnkrok should not touch the ice again this season, however it's likely he's going to be penciled in over Haymes.
Though things are a lot different now, with co-interim GM's Ryan Hardy and Brandon Pridham in charge and the ones who played a role in signing Haymes; there could be conditions regarding his call-up.
What's the harm in playing him? Seriously, find one. There's a chance to develop him early at the NHL level despite there being a handful of games, he's getting into his mid-20's, has proven he can be a solid two-way forward at the second-highest level in North America — there's nothing left to prove.
If Toronto keeps sitting their future in the press box, then it's going to only be those players who end up watching the games as fans tune out thanks to them fumbling their prospects once again.
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