Sheldon Keefe announces some roster changes as newly acquired blueliners set to play for the Leafs against the Flames
It's been 10 years, 10 months, and 23 days since Luke Schenn last played for the Toronto Maple Leafs (April 7, 2012), but the former 5th overall draft pick is scheduled to make his return tonight for the Leafs against the Flames.
Schenn, who was acquired by the Leafs earlier this week for a third round pick, met the team in Calgary after they played in Edmonton last night. Schenn adds some much needed physicality to the back end and will be replacing Timothy Liljegren in the lineup.
Additionally, Erik Gustafsson, who was acquired on Tuesday along with a first round pick in the Rasmus Sandin trade, will also draw in as the Leafs. Per Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe, the Buds are going to use 11 forwards and 7 defensemen against Calgary tonight. That means that Zach Aston-Reese will come out of the lineup up front and will give Keefe the opportunity to mix and match his lines on the fly.
Keefe said that Liljegren coming out is not injury-related, but rather to get the other guys into the lineup. The other reason that the Leafs could be using 7 blueliners tonight is the fact that Schenn's wife is due any day with their child and could possibly have to exit the game early.
