Acciari skates, Brodie day-to-day, Samsonov to start vs. Islanders: Leafs Practice Notes

After a well earned day off on Sunday, the Maple Leafs got back work with a practice on Monday.

Everyone was present at the skate, except for TJ Brodie who blocked a shot vs. Ottawa and is considered day-to-day, per head coach Sheldon Keefe.

They’ll fly out to New York, where the team plays on Tuesday, and will make a decision on Brodie’s status then.

The news of the day, though, is that Noel Acciari took in a full practice on Monday. It looks like he might even get into their game against the Islanders tomorrow.

That’s very good news for Toronto considering how the collision looked and the fact that he didn’t return to the lineup in Ottawa. His presence will be felt heavily in what always is a big game against the Islanders.

In terms of lineup, the Maple Leafs iced this group at practice Monday:

Acciari, as we just spoke about, skated on a line with David Kampf and Zach Aston-Reese.

With this lineup, it looks like Erik Gustafsson will get back into the lineup in Long Island. Drawing out would be Luke Schenn who’s played in two-straight since returning to Toronto after the birth of his daughter.

All three goalies — Ilya Samsonov, Matt Murray, and Joseph Woll — were present for practice.

William Nylander will remain with Bobby McMann and Sam Lafferty for Tuesday’s game. Keefe said after practice that this line, with their speed, could help Nylander who’s been held pointless in three-straight games.

Keefe says he’s even trying to get John Tavares going again. The Maple Leafs’ captain hasn’t had trouble putting up points, but he hasn’t found the back of the net in four-straight.

Mitch Marner — who he’s back on a line with — could help with that.

It appears as though that Samsonov, after being out of the lineup on Saturday, will get the start against New York.

Keefe says the 26-year-old will play even though he and his wife are expecting a baby any time now. Samsonov has also said he’s injured, but will play when called upon.

Auston Matthews will stay on a line with Alex Kerfoot and Calle Jarnkrok for Tuesday’s game. A few days ago, Matthews praised Jarnkrok’s shot and it seems as though he really likes playing with the 31-year-old.

“He’s a really smart player,” Matthews said to reporters on Friday. “His release is pretty impressive too.”

Toronto will arrive in New York later this afternoon and take on Tavares’ former team on Tuesday night. Puck drop for that game will be at 7:30 p.m. ET.