Maple Leafs Expected to Make Emergency Call Up After Game Vs. the Canadiens

As the Maple Leafs head into their game against the Montreal Canadiens with playoff implications (for the Canadiens at least), they will do so without the services of Jake McCabe, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and David Kampf; all who are dealing with some injury issues.

So once that game happens, with Toronto expected to lace up only five defenders, what's next?

Well, given that the team can't really do much in the way of adding players given their salary issues, they don't have many options and will have to rely on an emergency call-up from the Marlies to help soften the damage.

Everyone except for Matt Benning can be called up for the Maple Leafs, and while it will most likely be someone like Dakota Mermis or Marshall Rifai, the team should also take a look at guys like Cade Webber and William Villeneuve.

Villeneuve has been fantastic this season, and started to really break out with some teams potentially looking to make a deal for him. A smooth-skating playmaker, he's also not afraid to throw his weight around either.

In only 51 games he's put up 34 points (2G, 32A) to go along with 42 PIM and a plus-11; he was Toronto's 122nd pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.

Webber, who came over in a trade with the Hurricanes has also had a solid season for the Marlies.

While not as offensively forward as Villeneuve, the 6'7 defender has seven points in 55 games (1G, 6A) while adding 33 PIM and a plus/minus of zero. He's much more defensively minded and isn't afraid to block shots or throw that gigantic frame in the way of opponents.

It's worth giving either man a look especially given how injury-prone the back end is, plus they aren't getting any younger.

But don't expect Toronto to go outside of the box with who they call-up, but it would add a new wrinkle into the lineup as we head into the playoffs.