The Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to receive a significant boost to their lineup with the imminent return of forwards Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz. Both players participated in Tuesday's practice sporting the regular's white jerseys, signaling their readiness to rejoin the team after stints on the injured reserve.
Laughton, 31, has yet to make his season debut after suffering a foot injury during the preseason. The Oakville native, acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers last season, is expected to bolster the team's bottom-six. In his 20 games with the Leafs last season, Laughton recorded two goals and four points. His return is anticipated to provide a spark as the team continues to solidify its new identity.
Lorentz, 29, is returning from his second injury of the season. He last played on October 29 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he sustained an upper-body injury after colliding with the boards. Prior to the injury, Lorentz had tallied four assists in eight games. His return is expected to rekindle the chemistry he established with Laughton during the playoffs last season and in the recent preseason.
The return of Laughton and Lorentz presents Head Coach Craig Berube with decisions regarding the lineup. Their activation could impact bubble players such as Easton Cowan and Nicholas Robertson. Cowan has four points in 10 games this season, while Robertson has been on a hot streak with seven points in 12 games, including six in his last five. According to Coach Berube, the Maple Leafs lineup is susceptible to change on a game-to-game basis. Factors such as player performance, injuries, and strategic advantages against opponents influence the decisions.
In other news, defenseman Chris Tanev was discharged from the hospital and placed on injured reserve after a collision with a Philadelphia Flyers forward. Dakota Mermis was recalled from the Toronto Marlies to fill Tanev's spot. William Nylander has recently returned to the lineup after missing three of the last four games with a lower-body injury. He skated on the second line with Easton Cowan and John Tavares in the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Maple Leafs are aiming to build on their recent success, including a comeback win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite a slow start to the season, Auston Matthews has been finding his stride, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. With key players returning from injury and adjustments being made to the lineup, the Maple Leafs are focused on solidifying their position in the league.
