The return of Auston Matthews signals multiple lineup changes
Auston Matthews will be back in the Leafs' lineup tomorrow night when the Buds are in Nashville to take on the Predators. Matthews will be reunited with his regular linemates, Mitch Marner and Michael Bunting, who looked right at home with John Tavares down the middle in Matthews' absence.
The Leafs' captain moves back down to the second line with Nick Robertson and William Nylander. David Kampf and Ondrej Kase both didn't participate at practice for the Leafs today but that's been confirmed to be a maintenance day. It's likely that we'll see Robertson, along with one of Spezza or Simmonds sitting tomorrow.
Travis Dermott appears to be drawing back into the lineup as Timothy Liljegren will be in the press box tomorrow night. Tomorrow could be a showcase game for Dermott as he's been in trade rumours for the bulk of this season.
At 25-years-old, Dermott is still young and with another year on his contract paying him $1.5 million per season - he'd likely benefit from a change of scenery that would give him more of an opportunity to be an NHL regular.
After two great performances this week, Erik Kallgren will likely get the start in Matthews' return to the lineup in the Leafs' last game before the trade deadline on Monday.
Matthews was suspended two games for a cross check to the neck and head of Buffalo Sabres defender Rasmus Dahlin on March 13th during the Heritage Classic. The Leafs managed to win both of their games with Matthews on the sidelines.
| POLL | ||
MARS 18 | 430 ANSWERS The return of Auston Matthews signals multiple lineup changes Will Matthews hit 60 goals, even after serving his suspension? | ||
| Absolutely! | 234 | 54.4 % |
| He might get close, but he won't do it | 136 | 31.6 % |
| Not a chance in hell | 18 | 4.2 % |
| He'll hit 60 in his final game of the season | 42 | 9.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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