Newly acquired Leaf O’Byrne likely out vs. Flyers

Ryan O'Byrne was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2014.

Newly acquired defenceman Ryan O’Byrne likely won’t be in the lineup for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they host the Philadelphia Flyers Thursday at the Air Canada Centre.

Many expected the Maple Leafs to add a goaltender to their roster prior to the 2013 NHL Trade Deadline, however the only move the team made was obtaining the services of O’Byrne in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2014.

The added depth on the blue line could prove beneficial in the postseason if the Maple Leafs can hang on to a playoff spot.

“He brings a lot of size. He’s a big, strong guy that’s going to add to our group,” Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf told the Canadian Press. “He plays hard, he finishes his checks and we’re excited to get him in this room.”

The Leafs sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, while the Flyers are nine points back in 11th place.

Watch the Maple Leafs take on the Flyers live Thusday on Sportsnet Ontario with coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. ET

Both teams are riding three-game win streaks heading into Thursday’s matchup in Toronto, and if Toronto is victorious, it would mark the first time in six years the Leafs sweep a season series with the Flyers.

The Leafs are coming off a win over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday in which Joffrey Lupul and Nazem Kadri each registered four points.

Meanwhile, the Flyers are on a high after a comeback win against the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday.

GAME NOTES:

— James Reimer will get the start in goal and looks to keep his hot streak going. The starter has only one regulation loss in his last 15 appearances.

— Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle said Thursday that Leo Komarov, who has been out the last two weeks with an upper-body injury, will not play tonight.

— Enforcer Frazer McLaren is healthy enough to play Thursday after it was reported earlier Thursday he had the flu. As a result, Joe Colborne returned back to the AHL.

— Steve Mason, whom the Flyers acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets Wednesday, will not start against the Maple Leafs, as Ilya Bryzgalov will get the nod.

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