Leafs Practice Notes: Mitch Marner, Anthony Stolarz return to action vs. Kraken

It’s the first time Stolarz will see in-game action since exiting a December 12 match against the Anaheim Ducks with a lower-body injury. Stolarz underwent an MRI later that week, confirmed he would require surgery, after doctors discovered a floating body in his knee resembling a ‘loose pebble,’ according to general manager Brad Treliving.

It’s been eight weeks since the procedure, as Stolarz will gear up and take to the ice as the Leafs look to continue their success on this Western road trip.

Marner was on the ice in practice for the first time this week, and looks set to make his return after missing his first game of the season earlier this week. The alternate captain was listed as day-to-day with a lower body injury, with head coach Craig Berube saying he was “just not feeling right in certain areas.”

Marner currently leads the roster with 54 assists and 70 points, sitting second and fifth in the league in those categories, respectively. In the absence of their lead playmaker, Toronto still managed a high-scoring effort Tuesday, defeating the Calgary Flames 6-3.

With Marner back in the lineup, it looks like Berube will be shaking up the lines a bit, with Marner playing alongside William Nylander and John Tavares, and Max Domi keeping his spot on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, per The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel.

Toronto is coming off back-to-back wins as they prepare for the third game of their Western road trip tonight at 10pm against the Kraken.

Here’s how the Leafs lined up at practice today, per David Alter:

Forwards

Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Max Domi

William Nylander – John Tavares – Mitch Marner

Bobby McMann – Pontus Holmberg – Nic Robertson

Max Pacioretty – David Kampf – Steven Lorentz

Extra: Ryan Reaves

Defence:

Morgan Rielly – Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Jake McCabe – Chris Tanev

Simon Benoit – Philippe Myers

Dakota Mermis – Conor Timmins

Goalies:

Anthony Stolarz (confirmed starter)

Joseph Woll