The LeafsNation has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Maple Leafs practice notes: No major changes to the lineup, Knies gets extended look on PP1
alt
Photo credit: Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff
TLN Staff
Oct 30, 2024, 14:00 EDTUpdated: Oct 30, 2024, 13:53 EDT
After defeating the previously unbeaten Winnipeg Jets on Monday, the Toronto Maple Leafs are ready to resume their schedule Thursday, hosting the Seattle Kraken.
Toronto’s offense came alive during Monday’s victory, with John Tavares notching a hat-trick, while Max Pacioretty finished with three assists, and William Nylander authored a three-point night. The new-look Pacioretty-Tavares-Nylander line will be intact Thursday, barring any surprise based off Wednesday’s practice.
Here’s what you need to know:

Knies, Pacioretty will get extended look on first power play unit

Toronto’s dormant power play, which has converted 3-of-32 chances thus far, has been the focal point of the season thus far and no imminent changes are in store. After revamping the units ahead of Monday’s game, Matthew Knies and Max Pacioretty will remain on the top unit, alongside Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly.
The second unit consists of John Tavares, William Nylander, Bobby McMann and Max Domi, while Oliver Ekman-Larsson operates as the lone defenceman. Ekman-Larsson reverted back to the second unit ahead of Monday’s game, but he’s been a constant shooting threat through the opening 10 games.

Robertson, Liljegren headline Thursday’s likely scratches

Nick Robertson appears likely to be a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game. Robertson was Toronto’s preseason MVP, but he’s registered one goal in nine games, and with Pacioretty connecting instantly upon joining Tavares and Nylander, it may be an uphill battle for playing time, on a team that’s boasting a surplus of NHL-calibre forwards. Connor Dewar is also skating with the team and appears inching closer towards a possible return from long-term injured reserve.
Conor Timmins is back in his spot as Toronto’s No. 6 defenceman, paired with usual partner, Simon Benoit. Timothy Liljegren and Philippe Myers have each appeared in one game, but Timmins has pulled away from both Liljegren and Myers through the opening 10 games and has functioned well in his role as a third-pair defenceman that is willing to take risks to create offense.
It’s unclear whether Anthony Stolarz or Joseph Woll will start Thursday against Seattle. Stolarz has operated like a true No. 1 goaltender, while Woll began the season on injured reserve, making his season debut Thursday in a 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues.
We’ll keep you posted as more details emerge Thursday!