Head coach Sheldon Keefe provides unfortunate update ahead of game against Islanders
The Leafs were back at practice on Monday morning in preparation for this evening's tilt against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena, and while it looked like the roster was all but set following line rushes, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe spoke following practice and revealed that there may be a last minute change or two.
William Lagesson has been somewhat of a revelation for the Leafs on a very banged up blueline this year, taking on assignments well above his pay grade and actually executing quite well under the circumstances. Lagesson has been sidelined with an undisclosed illness for the last week, but appeared to be ready to draw back into the lineup, skating in the top-4 next to Jake McCabe. However, according to Keefe, Lagesson may or may not play tonight.
Keefe informed the media following practice that Lagesson was a game-time decision. He did allude to the fact that Lagesson is more likely to play than not, but even with that little sliver of doubt, it leaves the Leafs susceptible to a last-minute change that could throw the chemistry off.
If Lagesson can't go, it's likely that one of Simon Benoit or Conor Timmins will slide up to play alongside McCabe, with Max Lajoie drawing in to slot in next to whichever blueliner remains on the third pair.
Lajoie has played in the Leafs' last two games, including Saturday's win over Nashville. After a very rough outing in his Leafs debut back on November 4th, where he received just under 5 minutes of ice time, Lajoie has bounced back nicely over these past 2 games, playing 10:28 and 14:57 on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. He was a +1 against the Preds, but has not produced a single point in his 3 appearances this season.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 11 | 568 ANSWERS Head coach Sheldon Keefe provides unfortunate update ahead of game against Islanders Would you like to see the Leafs offer William Lagesson an extension? | ||
| Yes, he deserves one | 282 | 49.6 % |
| Maybe, it depends how the season plays out | 211 | 37.1 % |
| No, he's a replacement level defenseman | 75 | 13.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
