Things could change from shift to shift as coach Keefe opts to go with 11 forwards and seven defencemen again.
The third member of the line could change throughout the Leafs’ home game against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night. That’s because, with 18 games to go before the playoffs, the Leafs have to pick six defencemen from a group of nine. So Keefe will go with 11 forwards and seven defenceman again — instead of the traditional 12-6 combination — and Tavares and Bunting will wonder who the winger will be on their next shift. It could be a mix of David Kämpf and Noel Acciari.
The fact the Leafs have almost twice as many defenceman as they need is both a good thing and an issue., for example, was a cornerstone of the Washington defence before joining Toronto, seeing over 20 minutes of ice time per game and playing regularly on the power play. He has been in just two games with the Leafs and will need more time to find a niche on the roster.
Tavares said he is “feeling good” after missing Tuesday’s game in New Jersey for precautionary reasons. He was on the receiving end of a couple of big hits last Saturday in Vancouver but, after a week off, he is anxious to get back in the flow of games.
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