In advance of the Leafs practice, the Leafs have announced a pair of recalls from the Marlies.

The Leafs have brought back Pontus Holmberg, who has really only been in the AHL for logistical reasons and nothing to do with his play. And in addition to Holmberg the Leafs have called up Alex Steeves, who has had a solid year with the Marlies and has been deserving of an extended look with the Leafs.

Holmberg has had 11 points in 22 games for the Marlies this year, while also having 13 points in 36 games for the Leafs this season. Alex Steeves has only had two games in the NHL this year and has gone pointless in those, but has 44 points in 53 AHL games this season. Potentially he can add a bit of offense to the Leafs bottom six that has been lacking in that area.

The recalls of Holmberg and Steeves likely point to less than good news when it comes to the health of Ryan O’Reilly. While the Leafs haven’t formally announced that Ryan O’Reilly is going to miss a significant amount of time, the recalls only work from a cap perspective if Ryan O’Reilly is going on the long term injured reserve and that means we won’t see him again for another 10 games or 24 days. Not ideal for a rental player that just cost the Leafs a first, but that time line still allows for him to be back and playing games for the Leafs in advance of the playoffs.

We’ll likely have more of an update on O’Reilly following the practice and there is a very good chance that I am not fully understanding a potential emergency expectation loophole that allows for these recalls.

When Keefe speaks post practice we’ll have a lot more info.