As many as four Leafs players listed as game-time decisions
Ilya Mikheyev left Thursday night's game against the Minnesota Wild mid-game. While Mikheyev's absence during the second period sparked rumours of a possible injury or perhaps a trade, it was revealed that he was pulled from the game due to a "non-COVID related illness".
It appears that this bug is now running around the Leafs' dressing room and multiple players are listed as game-time decisions for tonight's game against the Red Wings.
Mikheyev, along with John Tavares, Pierre Engvall and Travis Dermott are all game time decisions tonight. Sheldon Keefe said the following on the ill players.
The Leafs' lineup could see a major shakeup if any of these players are ruled out. The line of Kase, Tavares, and Nylander is expected to be intact if the Leafs' captain gets the green light to play, but the lines could be in the blender depending on whether or not any of the abovementioned players are forced to sit out.
Mikheyev skated this morning which is a good sign but the others did not and their status is still unknown.
We know that rookie forward Nick Robertson will make his season debut this evening, and we also know that veteran forward Kyle Clifford is still listed on the Leafs' roster and has been skating as an extra. If any of Tavares, Engvall, Mikheyev or Dermott cannot go, it's like we'll see Clifford draw in, as well as defenseman Justin Holl, who has missed a pair of games as a healthy scratch.
If multiple players are unable to go, we could see all of Robertson, Clifford and Holl draw in, which could bode well for the Leafs for another reason - to allow any scouts in the house in Detroit to see some of the Leafs' potential trade chips play.
We know that Dubas has stated that he intends to hang onto this year's 1st round draft pick, along with all of his top prospects (which includes Robertson), but we could see both Clifford and Holl in tonight regardless to audition for or be showcased to other clubs.
