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Insider reveals how the Lyubushkin injury changes the Leafs' deadline plans
Photo credit: NHL
Ilya Lyubushkin made his second debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs after being re-acquired Thursday evening. Unfortunately, his debut barely lasted two periods before he left the game with a head injury after taking a thunderous hit from New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe. Lyubushkin is currently 'day-to-day' according to TSN's Chris Johnston, who revealed how his injury has changed the Leafs deadline plans on TSN1050's 'FIrst Up' this morning.
"I don't think it will change it because I do believe the Leafs have continued to target another defenseman and likely one that plays on the right side. I don't think it shifts the thinking. They will probably be poking around trying to get another depth forward too if they can. Obviously cap space is pretty tight and they don't have a ton of assets so I don't see these being big headline additions."
The good news is that the Leafs have reportedly already been looking at adding another right-shot blueliner. The bad news is that while Johnston says he doesn't expect a big move from the Leafs, GM Brad Treliving may have to make a move bigger than he wanted to depending on how long Lyubushkin is projected to be out. With four days until the deadline, all eyes will be on the Leafs and Treliving in the hopes that he addresses the Leafs biggest need with more than just a 'depth' defenseman.
| POLL | ||
MARS 4 | 347 ANSWERS Insider reveals how the Lyubushkin injury changes the Leafs' deadline plans Do you expect the Leafs to add a big name defenseman? | ||
| Yes | 204 | 58.8 % |
| No | 143 | 41.2 % |
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