Ahead of Round 1 of the Toronto Maple Leafs series 2020-21 NHL playoff series with the Montreal Canadiens, the Leafs are making some roster changes, both on the ice and behind the scenes.
As per a report from TSN insider Darren Dreger, the Maple Leafs have cleared defenceman Zach Bogosian for Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Playoff series. He may not play in the game on Thursday as head coach Sheldon Keefe said Bogosian is “not quite there yet,” but he should return at some point in the series.
Fellow defenseman Jake Muzzin said Bogosian will bring a lot to the lineup, including being a big, strong physical guy who can box out and good in the corners. He added that he’s a good leader in the room.
In other Leafs news, Ben Hutton has been sidelined with what Keefe described as a “non-COVID medical situation.” It’s not clear why he’s out, but it is being reported by Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston that his absence is not related to a hockey injury/issue, either.
Keefe also indicated Riley Nash will make his Maple Leafs debut in Game 1 on Thursday. Nash spoke with media on Monday and said:
“I’m just try to get as acclimated as possible. It’s kinda nice that I’ve been injured where I’ve been able to watch some games, see their style of play and see their little nuances and differences from what our system was in Columbus. Just trying to get my mindset and my thinking on the same page and what they’re thinking about.”
Off-Ice Changes for Maple Leafs
Of the ice, the Leafs have made some announcements as well, adding some fairly notable names to executive positions within the organization.
Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser has been elevated to the role of Senior Director of Player Development and Danielle Goyette has been hired as the club’s Director of Player Development. Player Development Consultant Darryl Belfry and Belfry Hockey Inc. will oversee the technical development of the club’s players and staff, while Will Sibley has been promoted to Director of Development Operations and Analysis.
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