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Keefe shakes up D pairings for match with Crosby, Pens

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Pete Fredericks
February 17, 2022 (6:25 PM)

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When the Toronto Maple Leafs claimed Adam Brooks on waivers yesterday, it forced GM Kyle Dubas to send defenseman Timothy Liljegren to the AHL-affiliate Marlies to make room for Brooks on the active NHL roster while he cleared waivers again today. It's all just a lot of procedural smoke and mirrors: Liljegren was "sent down" on paper only. He isn't going to play for the Marlies. He simply has to miss tonight's game versus the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins while Brooks clears waivers (which he will), which will then make Brooks eligible to go down the minors, which then opens up Liljegren's roster spot once again.

Liljegren's absence means Travis Dermott will draw back into the lineup after being the odd D-man out for the past two games. Head Coach Sheldon Keefe says the Leafs were glad to be able to bring Brooks back and that having to "demote" Liljegren gives him a chance to introduce Dermott back tot he lineup:

Dermott is somebody I wanted to get back in anyway. In terms of Brooks, we didn't want to lose him initially and the chance to bring him back was intriguing.
As for what tonight's defense pairings will look like, only time will tell:

Tonight's game between the Leafs and the Pens promises to be one for the ages, pitting the League's fifth (TOR) and sixth (PIT) best teams in terms of points percentage this year.

Puck drop at Scotiabank Arena is 7PM ET.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Leafs sign young defenceman to a one-year extension

Jason Spezza proves once again that he's a true gem; makes good on a promise from December

Leafs and Blackhawks talking trade? A 23-year-old Hawks winger appears to be the target

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