The Toronto Maple Leafs will ice a lineup on Saturday night that looks a lot like the one they used on Friday.
Seven forwards and one defenceman will be skating again in a back-to-back when the Canadians host the Leafs in Montreal for the second straight night.
Nick Abruzzese, Kyle Clifford, Noah Gregor, Pontus Holmberg, Matthew Knies, Fraser Minten, and Nick Robertson were all involved in Friday's 2-1 win for Toronto.
Knies, a former second-round pick by the Maple Leafs in 2021, is widely expected to make the team, but Gregor, Holmberg, and Robertson are very much looking to impress. Gregor is without a contract and in camp on a Professional Tryout, while Holmberg and Robertson are all waiver-exempt and can be sent down without risk by the Leafs.
One player who won't be on the ice is Connor Timmins. Head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters that the defenceman, who is fighting for a spot on the team, has suffered a lower-body injury and will undergo an MRI scan in order to determine the severity, according to a report by Jonas Siegel of The Athletic.
While fans might be disappointed in the absences of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander on Saturday, they may take some solace in the appearance of rookie Easton Cowan, who has impressed in camp so far.
The only member of the defensive corps to get a second straight skate is minor-leaguer Matteo Pietroniro, while veteran T.J. Brodie will be playing in his first game of the pre-season. Joining them will returning players Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe.
The club announced that goalie Joseph Woll will not practise or play Saturday due to flu-like symptoms. Swedish rookie Dennis Hildeby and veteran Martin Jones are on the game roster.
The game can seen on Sportsnet+ at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
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