Leafs forced to use two of their 4 post-deadline call-ups
Ahead of practice this afternoon, the Leafs have recalled Pontus Holmberg and Alex Steeves from the Marlies while also sending down Joseph Woll who was on emergency loan. The move comes 2 days after the Leafs lost to Vancouver by a score of 4-1. Ryan O'Reilly left the arena that night with a splint on his finger and an unknown status.
Holmberg had been a mainstay for the Leafs most of the season until the Leafs brought in O'Reilly, Noel Acciari and Sam Lafferty, which left Holmberg without a spot in the lineup. It led to Holmberg being sent down to continue to get playing time. In 36 games with the Leafs this season, Holmberg has registered 5 goals and 13 points while playing in a bottom-six role where he seemed to have earned Sheldon Keefe's trust and was relied on defensively at times.
Steeves on the other hand, had a short stint with the Leafs before Kyle Dubas made all of the trades skating in 2 games. He didn't register a point in either game, but had a handful of quality chances and impressed Keefe. In 53 games for the Marlies, Steeves has 17 goals and 44 points on the season.
With the recalls of Steeves and Holmberg, the Leafs have used two of the four recalls allotted to teams post-deadline, meaning they will have to be careful when and how they use their two remaining call-up options over the next month of the season.
