For the Toronto Maple Leafs’ game against the Edmonton Oilers, a number of player (and other) moves have been made that should interest Maple Leafs’ fans.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Quick Hits: Flames, Campbell, Ritchie, Dermott & Mikheyev
Move One: Brad Meier Will Referee the Game Tonight
I seldom note who the referees are, but tonight is a bit of an exception. Brad Meier, who refereed the recent Maple Leafs vs. the Winnipeg Jets’ game, will be officiating the game tonight. That Jets’ game got completely out of hand. During the game, Maple Leafs’ defenseman Rasmus Sandin was hurt in a knee-on-knee by the Jets’ Neal Pionk, who was suspended. Then, in his retaliation for the penalty, Maple Leafs’ Jason Spezza was suspended for six games.
Whether this will have any impact or not on the game, I don’t know. But it might – we’ll see.
Move Two: Travis Dermott Will Play Tonight for the Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe plans to have Travis Dermott return to the ice for the first time since his shoulder injury. He’s missed four games. Dermott had registered two assists in his 18 games on the season. It looks as if he’ll be part of the third-line pairing with Justin Holl.
Move Three: Ilya Mikheyev’s Thumb Is Better and He’ll Play Tonight
It looks as if Ilya Mikheyev’s thumb (and his strength) has improved enough to allow him to play in tonight’s game. The plan is that he’ll draw into the lineup tonight against the Oilers. However, the final call on Mikheyev’s status will be made just prior to game time.
Mikheyev broke his thumb early during the preseason and he hasn’t played during the regular 2021-22 season at all. It isn’t clear yet, but it’s likely Mikheyev will be playing on the team’s third line. That said, the 27-year-old Russian might also be given some time in the team’s top-six.
During his last season, the right-winger had 17 points (on seven goals and 10 assists). If he’s able to compete and he’s given time in the top-six, will he be able to top those numbers?
Move Four: Zach Hyman Will Not Play for the Oilers Against His Old Team
Zach Hyman has an upper-body injury that will cause him to miss tonight’s game against his old team. On the season, Hyman has scored 11 goals and added eight assists (for 19 points) in 26 games. He’s having a good season with the Oilers.
In Summary
In summary, the word is that Mikheyev and Brett Seney will play tonight. Alex Steeves and Nick Ritchie will be out of the lineup. As I reported this morning, Ritchie isn’t a healthy scratch; instead, he’s nursing an illness that his coach Keefe noted was NOT COVID.
With Dermott back in the lineup, the defensive pairings for tonight’s game will be Morgan Rielly/T.J. Brodie, Timothy Liljegren/Jake Muzzin, and Dermott/Holl. Hyman will be out and is listed day-to-day with a shoulder injury.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Player Moves Before Tuesday’s Game Against the Oilers
Spiritof67
December 15, 2021 at 5:52 am
Leafs looked better without Ritchie . ( yes, I know he occasionally throws a good hit )