Deprecated: Automatic conversion of false to array is deprecated in /var/www/hockeybuzz.com/classes/clsBlog.php on line 243 HockeyBuzz.com - Mike Augello - Who Should Toronto Avoid At The Deadline? Part 1; Leafs vs. Golden Knights
*******If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact” button at the top of the page.
*******
The Toronto Maple Leafs begin a five-game homestand at home against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, playing the reigning Stanley Cup champs for the second time in a week.
Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe indicated that defenseman Timothy Liljegren will not play after getting banged up on Saturday against Colorado, and that the club will go with six left-handed blueliners against Vegas, as Mark Giordano will return to the lineup coming off of bereavement leave.
Keefe provided updates on a number of injured players. Joseph Woll is closing in on returning to the lineup, but veteran Martin Jones will back up starter Ilya Samsonov. Although he did not say when Woll would make his return, the Leafs play the struggling Arizona Coyotes on Thursday. Matt Murray (remember him) is progressing well from double hip surgery and is on the ice taking shots, but the oft-injured goalie is not expected back during the regular season.
On defense, Conor Timmins is recovering from mononucleosis and has resumed skating, but is not cleared for practice. Injured winger Calle Jarnkrok has been out a month with a broken knuckle and could be ready to practice next week.
*******
We will hear a plethora of names connected to the Leafs between now and March 8, but based on their limited cap space and draft capital, GM Brad Treliving may only be able to make one move and that will likely be for a right-handed defenseman. There are plenty of blueliners that could be a good fit, but over the next few days, we will go counter to that and single out a few defensemen who Toronto should stay away from for varying reasons.
The name of Sean Walker is at the top of the list. Walker was part of the Ivan Provorov deal with Los Angeles and Columbus last June after spending his first five seasons in LA. The 29-year-old was mostly a bottom-pairing option for the Kings, but with the Flyers he has played primarily top-four minutes and is on his way to setting a career-high in points, but the Keswick, ON native is mostly what the Leafs already have; a mid-sized, middle-of-the-road defender, instead of providing the size or physicality they desperately need.
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»
