For the first time in 628 days, Matt Murray is poised to appear in a National Hockey League game.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion was officially recalled from the AHL on Friday ahead of Toronto’s game in Buffalo. Dennis Hildeby was sent down.

Jay Rosehill was back in the mix for the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take. For all intents and purposes, this really felt like it was a holiday episode. It was fun loving, loose, and a bit wild. We kicked off the show by giving our thoughts on Murray’s arrival and what we expect from the 30-year-old. He hasn’t played a game in the NHL since early April of 2023. Think about that.

After that, we previewed this weekend’s back-to-back games. The Leafs will visit the Buffalo Sabres before hosting the New York Islanders on Saturday night. As mentioned, Murray will start the front end. Furthermore, judging by the lines at the morning skate, Pontus Holmberg will be inserted back into the lineup. Toronto has won three in a row against the Sabres. Meantime, we also discussed Saturday night’s tilt where Joseph Woll is expected to get the call. He’s won 8 of his past 10 outings. In recent memory, the Isles have played the Leafs tough winning four straight meetings and five of six. It should be a good one on Saturday night.

Lastly, we wrapped by playing another edition of TAKE IT or LEAF IT. We debated whether Matt Murray will play another game this season for the Marlies, if the Big 3 will get at least five games together as a line, and if Pontus Holmberg has played his final game as a Leaf. Spoiler: He hasn’t.

At any rate, Monday’s show will be our final one before taking a mini three-day holiday break ourselves from December 24^th to 26^th. In addition to recapping this weekend’s festivities, we’ll preview Monday afternoon’s Next Gen game as the Leafs host the Winnipeg Jets. Also, we’re taping an interview with Easton Cowan later on today, so you’ll see/hear that on Monday’s show, too.

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If you haven’t done so already, be sure to get your payments in for the first EVER TLN Nation Vacation. Join us from Thursday, March 20^th to Sunday, March 23^rd as we take our talents to Music City to watch Toronto play Nashville. As part of the unique experience, we will also be offering up some podcast recordings at Love & Exile Winery & Bar in East Nashville. BOOK TODAY!!