Key players in Covid-19 Protocol creating an opportunity for depth guys
With news of John Tavares and Alex Kerfoot being placed in Covid Protocol today, there is now a hole in the middle six for the Toronto Maple Leafs. This could be an opportunity for several players to prove they can be trusted to step up.
Ilya Mikheyev, who requested a trade after the 2021 playoffs, with the primary reason being a lack of opportunity in the top six, has to be at the top of that list.
The Russian winger was on pace for a fantastic rookie season, but since having his wrist cut by a skate, has dealt with a tough road back to full health. He had a strong training camp until injury struck again in the form of a broken wrist. Now that he is healthy, it's his time to prove he deserves that shot he asked for.
Ondrej Kase is another Leaf coming off an unsatisfactory season after dealing with concussion related issues. He has been excellent on Toronto's third line with his friend David Kampf and has played in the top 6 when Keefe decided to get the line blender out. Now he will have a real opportunity to move into the top 6 on a more consistent basis if he can capitalize while Kerfoot is out of the lineup.
The Leafs will return to action Saturday night against the red hot Vancouver Canucks, provided that the NHL hasn't postponed more games by that time. It seems like only a matter of time now..
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