Maple Leafs Projected Lineup for First Preseason Meeting With Canadiens

Toronto is looking to erase a 3-2 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday in which Toronto blew a 2-0 lead late.

The Leafs will have a different looking roster going into their rivalry game against Montreal, led by players fighting for a chance in the lineup.

Lorentz - Laughton - Cowan
McMann - Kampf - Maccelli
Joshua - Quillan - Lettieri
Pezzetta - Groulx - Tverberg

Mermis - Myers
Rifai - Thrun
Webber - Benning
Villeneuve

Goaltenders:
Hildeby
Peksa

Toronto will be focused on their depth in tonight's game with most of their top forwards out and the team led by their forwards looking for a spot on the roster, and a chance to emerge with the Leafs top players sitting out.

Dennis Hildeby is expected to get the start in net for Toronto, having been the starter in the Leafs last game against Ottawa.

Almost everyone on the Leafs roster has something to prove in terms of their chance of making the big club, nearly every player in an audition game tonight.

This game will likely be the big one before cuts start to be made further and Toronto starts to solidify their NHL roster, with this being one remaining chance for any players to showcase themselves as deserving of a further chance.

The first line of Steven Lorentz and Scott Laighton are likely to make the Leafs roster as the fourth line, but are joined by rookie Easton Cowan, who all preseason has played with the Leafs projected bottom-six forwards.

Bobby McMann & Matias Maccelli are joined by David Kampf, a player who is currently on the cusp of a roster spot but needs a strong showing to force himself into the Leafs lineup with very few spots left available.

On defense, both Philippe Myers and Henry Thrun are battling to get a potential spot on the Leafs blueline with the absence of Simon Benoit, one in which there's not a clear timeline on his return, opening up one of the two the opportunity to swoop in and claim Benoit's spot.

Dennis Hildeby will get another start for Toronto, having left the Ottawa game up 2-0, with backup Artur Akhtyamov collapsing in the third. Hildeby has seemingly won out over his fellow prospect and likely Marlies tandem partner, and another big game could ease any questions over if the Leafs need to sign a veteran goalie as a relief option.

With Joseph Woll currently away from the team, Hildeby has the opportunity to present himself as the Leafs No. 2, and prove to Toronto that if Woll isn't ready to start the season that he's ready enough to take on an NHL job.

Puck drops in Montreal at 7PM EST, with the game being carried on Sportsnet.