The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without John Tavares against the Colorado Avalanche, and as a result, head coach Jim Hiller is changing up the lines.
Earlier today, it was announced that John Tavares would be taking a short absence from the team following the birth of his son, Tucker.
Consequently, the Leafs will be without Tavares on Saturday as the team takes on the Colorado Avalanche in what should be a fascinating matchup.
That said, at practice today, Hiller made some big changes, and Leafs fans are going to be interested in what the head coach has cooked up.
Jim Hiller introduces new lines
According to David Alter, the lines at practice were significantly different, especially the second line, which now consists of Easton Cowan, Nick Paul, and William Nylander.
Bo Groulx is on the third line with Colton Sissons and Gavin McKenna. Zack MacEwen, Teddy Blueger, and Brandon Duhaime make up the fourth line.
Marchenko-Matthews-Roslovic
Cowan-Paul-Nylander
McKenna-Sissons-Groulx
MacEwen-Blueger-Duhaime
Absent: Tavares (personal)
McCabe-Raddysh
Rielly-Tanev
OEL-Stecher
Extra: Blankenburg
Stolarz
Absent: Bobrovsky (likely maintenance)
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One of the biggest changes involves the defense, which now sees Jake McCabe alongside Darren Raddysh. Morgan Rielly will be paired with Chris Tanev.
Overall, these are some interesting moves, and it is going to be interesting to see how the Maple Leafs are able to bring all of this together when all is said and done.
After a loss to the Las Vegas Golden Knights, the Leafs need a win against the Avalanche; otherwise, fans are going to get impatient.
Tomorrow, we will get a better sense of whether or not these lineups are going to be final.
Do you believe these are good lines for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
John Tavares steps away from Maple Leafs for personal reasons