Three Unexpected Healthy Scratches on Deck for the Leafs to Pave the Way for Anticipated Returns

In a sudden decision ahead of Monday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Matias Maccelli was made a healthy scratch over Bobby McMann, who was an extra at the morning skate.

The move paid off for the Leafs as McMann notched the game-winning goal in their comeback win.

When the Leafs took to the ice for Tuesday's practice, it didn't come as much of a surprise to see Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz don bottom-six white jerseys. As was Maccelli, who projects to draw back into the lineup to take on his former team, the Utah Mammoth, on Wednesday.

Seeing Easton Cowan in a grey 'scratches' jersey, however, did catch many by a surprise. Joining Cowan in grey were Calle Jarnkrok and Sammy Blais.

As Laughton and Lorentz prepare to return to the lineup on Wednesday, head coach Craig Berube reconfigured his forward lines.

After combining for eight points in the third, unsurprisingly, the Leafs' top two lines remained together at practice.

Maccelli was reunited with Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy on the third line, while both Laughton and Lorentz lined up on the fourth line with Max Domi.

Given the success Laughton, Cowan and Lorentz had as a line during the pre-season, it's a bit surprising to me that Berube didn't opt to give Laughton two linemates that he is accustomed to playing with in his return.

After blocking six shots, including a pair of big ones in the final minutes, Brandon Carlo was absent from practice, leaving Berube to pair Morgan Rielly with Dakota Mermis.

Mermis rejoined the Leafs following Chris Tanev's injury on Saturday, and may see his first NHL action of the season -- depending on the health of Carlo.

An update on his health will likely come after practice. That being said, with or without Carlo, the Leafs will look to win their third straight when they host the Mammoth on Wednesday night.