Nick Abruzzese finally makes his NHL and Leafs debut tonight after a week of practices and getting acquainted with the Leafs systems, coaching staff and teammates. Based on practice yesterday it looks as though he will slot into the fourth line with Colin Blackwell and Wayne Simmonds, meaning that Jason Spezza will be a healthy scratch.
Asked what stands out about Abruzzese yesterday, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said that his ability to process the game is what he and the scouting staff noticed most about him through video, calling him a «very smart player».
It will be interesting to see how the Leafs use Abruzzese in his debut and how much ice time he will get. He was taking reps on the second PP unit in practice yesterday as well as a precaution in case Kerfoot is unavailable for tonight's game.
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