Insider confirms that yet another Leaf will begin season on LTIR

On TSN1050's First Up this morning, Chris Johnston reported that Timmins is going to begin the season on LTIR due to the injury he suffered on the weekend in Montreal. Timmins carries a cap hit of $1.1M, which means the Leafs would only be over the cap by $1.8M instead of $2.9M if they were to place him on LTIR. Depending how the Leafs navigate the remaining difference to get cap compliant, the Leafs may be able to carry an extra forward or defenseman. They may even decide to carry three goalies if they can make the numbers work.

Johnston noted that Timmins going on LTIR gives the Leafs time to figure out how to make room for him when he returns so that they do not lose him on waivers. Whether that is another injury or maneuvering their forward depth, the Leafs will do their best to find a spot for Timmins on the main roster when he's ready to return.

Following the camp that Timmins has had, including a 4-point game against Buffalo, the Leafs would definitely lose the defenseman if they were to place him on waivers. Given the aging blueline that the Leafs have, losing Timmins would be a massive blow to the current and future depth of their defense. It should be a top priority for Treliving and AGM Brandon Pridham to find a way to keep Timmins on the main roster if and when he has been cleared to play.