Sheldon Keefe appears to hint that the newly acquired Conor Timmins may not be an NHL regular this season

From practice this afternoon, it would seem as though Timmins will be paired with Victor Mete on the Leafs' third pairing, replacing Mac Hollowell. While he is playing tomorrow, Sheldon Keefe was quick to note after practice that he may not see much game action with T.J. Brodie expected to return soon. Here's what Keefe had to say about Timmins' debut tomorrow.

"The timing is right. Brodie's return isn't too far away. It will be harder to get him in when that happens." Keefe also said that Brodie could be an option Thursday so if Timmins wants to play Thursday over Mete, he will have to have a very sound game tomorrow night and prove that the NHL is where he belongs, which might be a tall task for a young player who has missed significant time due to injury and hasn't played much at the NHL level.

When the Leafs are fully healthy after Morgan Rielly comes back in the new year, Timmins will likely be the seventh defenseman, as long as the top six continue to perform the way they have so far this season. Timmins would have to clear waivers if the Leafs wanted to send him to the Marlies, so it would appear as though he'll be with the club down the stretch. With Jake Muzzin being out for likely the entire season, the Buds should be fine to carry 8 NHL defensemen and remain cap compliant.

Having only played 8 NHL games the past two seasons, Timmins has to hope he can find his groove early to earn more consistent playing time with the Leafs. His performances at practice will have to be top-notch as well, since there is so much blueline competition in Toronto at the moment.