William Nylander is back in the mix in Vancouver, as another key Leafs regular sits out
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be making a sudden change to their roster ahead of tomorrow's game vs Vancouver.
Some positive news for the Toronto Maple Leafs as William Nylander has re-joined the team in practice ahead of their game tomorrow vs the Canucks.
Nylander had practiced with the team yesterday ahead of the Leafs game against Seattle as an extra skater, but did not play against the Kraken.
The Toronto forward has been out since mid-January with a groin injury suffered on the 15th against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Nylander was skating on the second line alongside Matias Maccelli and John Tavares, appearing likely he will return to the Leafs top-six for tomorrow.
Easton Cowan was an extra skater, meaning he may like sit out tomorrow's game vs the Canucks. Cowan has been without a point in four of his last five games.
Maple Leafs make move on defense ahead of game vs Vancouver
Toronto appears to be looking at a likely swap in their defensive group as a surprise name appears poised to insert into the Leafs lineup against the Vancouver Canucks.
During the Leafs practice ahead of tomorrow's matchup in Vancouver in what is the Leafs western road trip that ends with the Olympic break, Toronto made a change on defense.
Simon Benoit has been shifted out of the lineup in practice, with Marshall Rifai taking his place alongside Troy Stecher on the Leafs third pairing.
Rifai, 27, has played in 12 games this season in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies. He last played in the 2023-24 NHL season, appearing in two games with the Leafs.
Rifai was recalled from the AHL Wednesday with Henry Thrun sent down. Rifai was expected to suit up and some point for the Leafs Western Canada road stretch.
Joseph Woll is the projected starter for tomorrow against Vancouver. Woll had a 29 save shutout in a 5-0 win against the Canucks earlier this year on January 10th.
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