Leafs reveal new defense pairings at practice, due to Muzzin's injury
Earlier today, we found out that Jake Muzzin has been placed on the Injured Reserve. As such, Toronto will have some new pairings on the back end. Today at practice, we got a first potential look at what those pairings could be.
Morgan Rielly is still partnered with T.J. Brodie, however Rasmus Sandin has been moved up to the second pairing, where he was skating alot side the right-shot Justin Holl. With Sandin moving up, this allowed recently recalled defensemen Victor Mete to draw into the top six, playing on the right side of veteran Mark Giordano.
This is a huge opportunity for Mete to prove he can be a player for the Leafs. The left shooting defensemen had what felt like a good camp, up until an injury that occurred in practice the day of the second last preseason game for the Maple Leafs forced him out of the lineup. While Mete debuted in the league six seasons ago, he is just 24-years-old, which is somewhat surprising. Perhaps there is still room to grow for the smooth-skating Woodbridge, ON kid.
Muzzin has been a massive minute-muncher for this team. With that in mind, this is also a huge chance for Rasmus Sandin to prove he can take on more minutes. Over the next few weeks, it looks like Sandin will have the chance to prove he is ready for the top four, which could open up some opportunities for the Leafs in the future, such as moving the final year of Jake Muzzin's deal in the summer.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 19 | 255 ANSWERS Leafs reveal new defense pairings at practice, due to Muzzin's injury Is Rasmus Sandin ready for full-time use in the team's top four? | ||
| Yes | 138 | 54.1 % |
| No | 51 | 20 % |
| Doesn't matter. They need him to be. | 66 | 25.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
