Sheldon Keefe Makes Major Lineup Changes Ahead Of Leafs vs Devils Game

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed this morning that there will be some lineup changes for tonight's game against the New Jersey Devils. Morgan Rielly will be a game-time decision.

Maple Leafs reporter Mark Masters was at the team's practice this morning. He noted the team's lines, likely the same ones they will use tonight against the New Jersey Devils. There are some noteworthy omissions. Mitch Marner remains out as he continues to deal with a high-ankle sprain. Additionally, defenseman Morgan Rielly was absent from practice entirely.

While Marner continues to improve, the team's blueline continues to take hits. Sheldon Keefe confirmed after practice that Joel Edmundson is out tonight and Morgan Rielly is a game-time decision. Assuming neither play, it appears as though Simon Benoit and Connor Timmins will slot back into the lineup, forming the team's bottom pair. It also seems that Noah Gregor will return to the lineup, replacing Ryan Reaves.

The Maple Leafs are exactly middle of the pack in terms of remaining strength of schedule, giving them an edge over teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins. It is unlikely that the team will catch Boston for the second spot in the Atlantic Division, but not entirely impossible. A win against the disappointing Devils would go a long way in making that possibility more realistic.

Source MapleLeafsDaily: Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe forced to make changes due to injury

MUST READ

31 minutes ago  |  By Chris Gerics NHL Insider Pierre Lebrun Confident Mitch Marner Will Sign Extension with the Maple Leafs, Reveals Timeline

1 hour ago  |  By Tom Banks Jacob Trouba Traded to the Anaheim Ducks, Per Insiders

2 hours ago  |  By Chris Gerics New York Rangers Confirm Jacob Trouba's Trade Fate in Latest Report, Per Elliotte Friedman

2 hours ago  |  By Chris Gerics Three Teams Urgently Pursuing Jacob Trouba, Per Darren Dreger

3 hours ago  |  By Austin Kelly New York Rangers Drop Staggering Announcement on Jacob Trouba: Trade Could be Imminent, Per Elliotte Friedman

7 hours ago  |  By Chris Gerics Maple Leafs Must Move Quickly to Secure Superstar Before Time Runs Out, Per NHL Analyst

17 hours ago  |  By Chris Gerics The Toronto Maple Leafs Should Revisit a Failed Playoff Strategy, According to NHL Analysts

19 hours ago  |  By Chris Gerics Three Potential Trade Targets Emerge for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Per NHL Analyst

MORE STORIES