Leafs recall rookie forward from the AHL during bye-week, indicating that team activities are set to resume
With the Leafs not having played a game since February 1st, Leafs Nation is patiently awaiting the team's first game in a week and a half on Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The All-Star break followed by a bye-week for the Buds has left a large gap in the schedule, but the Leafs' first 5 games coming out of the break will see them play Columbus twice, Chicago twice and Montreal once - a prime opportunity to be able to pile up some points in the standings.
The break may not have been so daunting for the fans if the Leafs were still active at Ford Performance Centre in Toronto, which would provide the media access to the players and coaches for and keep the chatter going, so to speak, even without any games being played. However, since many players chose to travel and rest up during the All-Star break and the bye-week, there hasn't exactly been a lot to talk about when it comes to the Buds. Well, that's all about to change.
Late Monday evening, the Leafs completed an under-the-radar roster transaction, calling up rookie center Pontus Holmberg from the AHL's Toronto Marlies. As you'll recall, Holmberg was sent down, along with Joseph Woll following their loss to the Bruins to ensure that both would be able to play and remain active throughout the team's lengthy break. The move likely indicates that team activities will resume imminently.
The Leafs have 30 games remaining this season and with the trade deadline and in this final stretch, every game is going to matter - especially with the Tampa Bay Lightning breathing down their necks. If the Buds want to lock down 2nd in the division and home ice for Round 1, they'll have to use these first 5 games back to build some momentum. Hopefully GM Kyle Dubas can swing a deal to provide them with some help here in the next few weeks as well.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 7 | 214 ANSWERS Leafs recall rookie forward from the AHL during bye-week, indicating that team activities are set to resume Will the Leafs have home ice advantage when the playoffs begin? | ||
| Yes | 169 | 79 % |
| No | 45 | 21 % |
| List of polls | ||
