Maple Leafs make a last-minute change to their open practice, here's what fans need to know

As the Maple Leafs look ahead after a rough afternoon loss to the Colorado Avalanche, they won't be practicing on Monday for their next game against Buffalo on Tuesday as the team has decided to cancel practice:

While normally this wouldn't be an issue, the Maple Leafs have scheduled their yearly open practice for Monday, January 26th and with the inclement weather conditions, it is best to put it on hold.

Ontario is in the middle of a polar vortex where temperatures can reach -25 degrees Celsius with the windchill, with blowing snow and consistent snowfall limiting visibility and pausing all non-essential travel.

There doesn't seem to be a risk of the game being cancelled on Tuesday, however there may be less fans in attendance than expected, as was the case on Sunday. While many made it out, the TV broadcast showed many empty seats; a rarity for the Maple Leafs.

While fans don't get the chance to participate in the open practice and get to see their favourite players in the flesh, there very well could be a makeup date announced where the team simply postpones it for another day; perhaps late February.

Right now, the onus is the safety of the fans and the players and there's no incentive to risk that for the sake of a public event and it's a bummer for sure but certainly the right call.

It's unknown if Toronto is going to practice indoors on Monday, if there's an optional skate, or whether they have a day off in full.

But whatever happens, they need to be focused and ready for a red-hot Buffalo Sabres team on Tuesday who often has their number; with the season potential riding in the balance.

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