Leafs confirms that Holmberg's demotion was not just a paper transaction
The Leafs made a surprising roster move on Wednesday, sending Pontus Holmberg down to the Toronto Marlies in what many thought was simply a paper transaction. Much to everyone's surprise, Leafs bench boss Sheldon Keefe confirmed on Thursday that the move was more than just a paper move.
Holmberg was recalled on an emergency loan basis on November 14th and had skated in 28 games with the Leafs registering 4 goals and 11 points while becoming a prominent middle-six forward, most often centering the third line for the Leafs.
Holmberg has been out of the lineup since Saturday as he had been battling a flu bug that was going through the Leafs' room. He was well enough to join the Marlies for their game against the Belleville Senators last night where he registered a goal, two shots and two penalty minutes in a 6-5 shootout win for the Marlies.
Here's what Sheldon Keefe had to say about the team's decision to loan the 23-year-old back to the Marlies:
"Combination of things. Really just to get himself back. He went four or five days without skating here and Marlies had a game last night and it was a chance for him to play. It was an off day for us He will be back with us here soon."
-Keefe on the Holmberg demotion
-Keefe on the Holmberg demotion
It's certainly nice to know that his absence won't be an extended one, as Holmberg has been one of the Leafs' better bottom six forwards over the last couple of months.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 19 | 180 ANSWERS Leafs confirms that Holmberg's demotion was not just a paper transaction Were the Leafs right to send Holmberg to the AHL to get his legs moving after a brief absence due to illness? | ||
| Yes | 147 | 81.7 % |
| No | 33 | 18.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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