Players practicing Dec. 31: Forwards: Bunting, Engvall, Kämpf, Kaše, Kerfoot, Marner, Matthews, Mikheyev, Nylander, Ritchie, Simmonds, Spezza, Tavares Defencemen: Biega, Brodie, Dermott, Holl, Kivihalme, Muzzin, Rielly, Sandin Goalies: Campbell, Hutchinson, Mrázek
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News from the Rink: Nylander, Rielly, and Muzzin return to Maple Leafs practice
Photo credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
By Nick Barden
Dec 31, 2021, 14:25 ESTUpdated: Dec 31, 2021, 14:19 EST
The Maple Leafs gain a few more players ahead of their final practice before the New Years Day game against the Ottawa Senators.
Coming out of COVID protocols today for Toronto is @William Nylander, @Jake Muzzin, and @Morgan Rielly. All three players are taking advantage of the new five-day isolation rules, allowing each of them to return earlier than expected.
Remaining in protocols for the Maple Leafs is @Timothy Liljegren, who was placed there on December 29th. He’s the only player left on the COVID list. Finally, with the three of Nylander, Rielly, and Muzzin returning, the Maple Leafs have sent @Chad Krys back to the Toronto Marlies.
And if you’re wondering what Nylander did while stuck in his apartment, he played video games.
William Nylander said he played a lot of video games during quarantine. Had no symptoms. Call of Duty was the game of choice.
That’s something I would’ve done, too, honestly. I probably would’ve played Fortnite instead, but that doesn’t matter.
Maple Leafs lines in practice
With almost a complete team at practice on Friday, here’s how the Maple Leafs’ lines came together.
The Leafs have all their forwards for the 1st time all year. Practice lines: Bunting - Matthews - Marner Kerfoot - Tavares - Nylander Mikheyev - Kampf - Kase Engvall - Spezza - Simmonds Ritchie Rielly - Brodie Muzzin - Holl Sandin - Dermott Kivihalme - Biega Campbell Mrazek
When @Ilya Mikheyev got hurt in training camp, the Maple Leafs were able to place him on LTIR. As the three of Mikheyev, @Rasmus Sandin, and @Mitch Marner return, Toronto will have some cap crunching to do. That is, though, if Marner does come off LTIR before Saturday’s game vs. Ottawa.
As you can see, @Nick Ritchie is the odd man out in the line combinations today, meaning he could be the next Maple Leafs’ player on waivers.
In terms of everything else around the lines, each of the defence pairings looks to be returning to normal. Sandin and @Travis Dermott being the bottom pairing, with each of them, Liljegren, and maybe @Justin Holl rotating through the three spots.
Nylander entering the Maple Leafs’ lineup means @Ondrej Kase and @Pierre Engvall get shifted down the lineup. That, again, leaves Ritchie out of a roster spot.
Toronto’s power play also received a makeover. The first power play unit returns to normal, and so does the second unit, but it’s spiced up. Sandin is back in the usual Quarterback position. It’s felt like a light-year since we’ve seen him there.
Also in the mix is Mikheyev, who the Maple Leafs want to see have success anywhere. Allowing the 27-year-old to get every opportunity imaginable could boost his confidence a lot.
One thing I’m curious about is which players will play on Saturday. The three of concern for me are Rielly, Muzzin, and Nylander. However, Sheldon Keefe said that each of them will be an option if the medical team says so.
Sheldon Keefe said Rielly, Muzzin and Nylander can be an option for the team tomorrow provided they get cleared by medical.
If I had to predict it myself, I’d say that all three of Nylander, Rielly, and Muzzin will play tomorrow. They will want to play, and I think each of them will do everything in their power to get there.
In terms of tomorrow’s lineup, though, Keefe says he didn’t give much thought to Ritchie being the odd man out. He says, again, that a lot of it will depend on what the medical team says.
As far as the game tomorrow goes, Keefe said he didn't give much thought as to Ritchie being an extra and today was more about getting Nylander back into that spot. Clearly a lot of tomorrow's lineup depends on how guys feel after today and what medical says.
#Leafs lines at practice Dec. 31/21 Bunting-Matthews-Marner Kerfoot-Tavares-Nylander Mikheyev-Kampf-Kase Engvall-Spezza-Simmonds (Ritchie rotated) Rielly-Brodie Muzzin-Holl Sandin-Dermott Kivihalme-Biega Campbell Mrázek Hutchinson D’Agostini (practice goalie)
The Maple Leafs will have a morning skate tomorrow where we’ll likely find out who’s in and who’s out. Puck drop tomorrow vs. the Ottawa Senators is at 7 PM ET.
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