Leafs demote defenseman to AHL, call up young forward

On that note, the Leafs have made a roster transaction on Friday, sending defenseman Simon Benoit down to the Toronto Marlies and recalling forward Pontus Holmberg, presumably to slot in on the bottom six, to allow someone like Matthew Knies to move up with Bertuzzi sidelined.

The decision to bring in Holmberg is a bit surprising, with the Leafs already having Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Fraser Minten and David Kampf down the middle of the ice. Holmberg or Minten could perhaps spend some time on the wing, but I find it odd that the Leafs didn't recall an actual winger, such as Bobby McMann or Nick Robertson - both of whom have started very strong for the Marlies in the AHL.

Holmberg has produced 1 goal and 1 assist in 2 games for the Marlies this season, while Robertson has amassed 2 goals and 3 assists for a total of 5 points over that same span. Meanwhile, McMann has posted 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points through 2 games.

Holmberg has the most NHL experience of the 3, posting 13 points in 37 games in 2022-23, so perhaps that's the long and short of it. He also possesses quality defensive instincts that might help the Leafs' 200-foot game a little more than the other two aforementioned options.