![]() Tavares is the latest injury the Maple Leafs have dealt with during training camp. "We've got a number of different options." "This is fresh information and I have not had a whole lot of time to process it, but we've been putting Alex throughout camp, Jarnkrok has the ability to play up the middle, I've been really happy with Holmberg's camp so far," Keefe said. Keefe said Alexander Kerfoot, who was on a line with left wing Nicholas Robertson and right wing Nicolas Aube-Kubel in a 4-2 preseason loss to the Senators on Saturday, and Calle Jarnkrok also will be considered at center on the second line.Īuston Matthews, who led the NHL in goals last season with 60, is the first-line center. Pontus Holmberg replaced Tavares with Malgin and Nylander at practice Tuesday but Keefe said he is not sure how the Maple Leafs will line up without their captain. "At the same time, John and our medical team will do all they can to get him back as soon as possible." "You are not going to replace John, but it does create extra opportunity for us to look at others and others to step up and take advantage of that opportunity," Keefe said. He has scored at least 24 goals in 12 of his 13 NHL seasons. Tavares was fourth on the Maple Leafs in goals (27) and points (76) in 79 games last season. But we've played without guys before, so for the remainder of the camp it just is additional opportunities for guys to step up and fill in that space." "He's a huge part of our team and it really does alter the plan for sure. ![]() ![]() "He thought it was pretty minor, but they had some further tests here later today after we started practice and it has come back with an oblique strain that is going to keep him out a minimum of three weeks. ![]() "He has been dealing with something since the game the other night," Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe said Tuesday. He practiced Monday on a line between left wing Denis Malgin and right wing William Nylander but did not practice Tuesday. He had one shot on goal in 17:14 of ice time. Tavares sustained the injury in a 4-1 preseason win against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. 12, and that timeline could keep him out at least four games. The Maple Leafs open the season at the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. This would require Jake Muzzin to play the point on the second power-play unit.The center is expected to be sidelined at least three weeks. He could give the top unit a right-handed one-timer from the left half-wall, which would force Marner to move into the middle where Tavares was. He's the team's most skilled - and perhaps deserving - player who's not on the top unit, and could easily slide into Tavares' spot.īlue-liner Tyson Barrie also provides an intriguing option after racking up 25 power-play points with the Colorado Avalanche last season. The most logical solution is to promote Nylander to the No. Tavares moved from in front of the net to the slot/bumper position, and Johnsson is in front of the net. Defenseman Morgan Rielly remains at the point, but Marner and Matthews flipped sides to be in better shooting positions. With new assistant coaches, Toronto's power play has featured a new look this year. Who goes to the top power play? Kevin Sousa / National Hockey League / Getty Like Option 1, Spezza gets a top-nine role in this scenario, though he's handed far less responsibility playing on the wing. Babcock has been reluctant to do so since the pair entered the league in 2016, but this could be the best time to see if it works for an extended period. This also gives Matthews and Marner a rare chance to play together at five-on-five. ![]() This gives the team its best possible center depth, as it moves Kerfoot back down to the third line. Though he's probably better suited for the wing, Nylander has performed adequately here in the past. We've moved Nylander to his natural position of center and split up the top line. ![]()
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