Dennis Hildeby will get the call in goal as the Leafs search for win No. 4 in a row when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night.

We kicked off the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take by discussing some news from the morning skate. The Leafs put Max Pacioretty on injured reserve and recalled 22-year-old forward Jacob Quillan. After the skate, Craig Berube labeled Pacioretty as longer than day-to-day, so we’ll find out more on that front in the coming days.

After that, we discussed Edmonton’s statement regarding Connor McDavid’s suspension. So embarrassing, so cringe. Just move on already. This is getting ridiculous. We vented for a bit, then moved on to an engaging conversation about Rasmus Ristolainen. On Tuesday, Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin linked the Leafs as a potential trade fit for Flyers defender Rasmus Ristolainen. The 30-year-old has two years left on his deal after this one at $5.1 million per season. For my money, that would probably be a difficult deal to put together, but I do think Ristolainen would be a good fit in Toronto.

As mentioned, the Leafs are getting set to host red-hot Columbus, who is 6-1-1 in its last eight outings. Hildeby will start while Connor Dewar (upper body injury) will draw out in favour of Ryan Reaves. Could we see the first ever scrap between Reaves and Mathieu Olivier? That sure would be sweet. Toronto’s trying to avenge a lopsided 6-2 loss in Columbus on October 22^nd. They’ve won three in a row.

Brought to you by Greta Bar, Jeff Marek stopped by the show once again. We covered a variety of different topics. Firstly, the conversation started with some back and forth on the whole Xhekaj/Reaves thing from over the weekend. Additionally, we talked about Matthew Knies’ progression, Jake McCabe being an elite defensive d-man, Auston Matthews’ hot stretch, and of course, we got some McDavid suspension talk in there, too.

Once again, David Pagnotta will fill in for Jay Rosehill as co-host on the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Over and above offering up a full recap of Leafs/Blue Jackets, Ray Ferraro will join us.

You can subscribe to TheLeafsNation (TLN) YouTube page HERE. Additionally, we’re available in podcast form, too, wherever you get your podcasts. While you’re at it, be sure to leave us a 5-star review!

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!!