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Tanev, Ekman-Larsson, Domi, Lorentz held out of Leafs’ practice, Jarnkrok placed on third line

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Arun Srinivasan | Last updated Mar 1, 2025 1:45 PM ET

It was a quick turnaround for the Toronto Maple Leafs following their 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers. Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Max Domi and Steven Lorentz were all held out of Saturday’s practice, and it’s possible Marshall Rifai makes his season debut Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Tanev is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury after leaving Tuesday’s game against the Boston Bruins with his arm in a sling. Ekman-Larsson left Friday’s game during the third period and did not return, so with two regular defencemen out of the lineup, Rifai may be the next man up. Rifai took reps alongside Conor Timmins on Saturday, via TSN’s Mark Masters.

It’s unclear why Domi was held out at the time of this filing. Domi has emerged as a popular trade candidate, although his 13-team no-trade list could be prohibitive ahead of Friday’s trade deadline. The 29-year-old has recorded three goals and 23 points in 51 games this season.

Calle Jarnkrok took reps in Domi’s place on the third line alongside Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson. Jarnkrok is inching closer to a return from groin and sports hernia surgery, although the Leafs may be forced to wait until the trade deadline passes in order to slot him in, as he holds a $2.1 million cap hit. Jarnkrok is a versatile piece for the Maple Leafs, who can be moved throughout the lineup and the team initially placed him with Domi and William Nylander, before he suffered an injury in training camp.

Alex Steeves and Connor Dewar were the extra forwards on Saturday. Max Pacioretty practiced but he was placed on IR on February 28 and could return next week. Steeves is a potential option to be slotted onto the fourth line for Sunday’s contest as well.