Spezza, Sandin in, Robertson, Dermott out for Sunday's Heritage Classic
With the Heritage Classic matchup between the Leafs and the Sabres officially less than 24 hours away, the Buds took to the ice at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario for an outdoor practice ahead of Sunday's festivities.
On Friday, it was announced that Leafs forward Jason Spezza, who had sat out the previous two games for the Buds, would be back in the lineup on Sunday in the Heritage Classic. What was not announced was who would be coming out in order to facilitate Spezza's return. Unfortunately, for 20-year-old Nick Robertson, he appears to be the odd man out, skating as an extra at practice along with gritty winger Kyle Clifford.
Robertson has appeared in 7 games for the Leafs this season, looking great in limited ice time on the 4th line before ultimately finding himself riding shotgun on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander. The Pasadena, California native has registered just one goal for the Buds in his 7-game stint, but not for a lack of trying. Robertson has had some good looks, but the puck just doesn't seem to be going in for him at the moment.
Spezza is expected to skate on a line with Wayne Simmonds and Alexander Kerfoot on Sunday, at least to start.
On the blueline, Rasmus Sandin makes his anticipated return to the lineup after missing a couple of games due to an unspecified illness. Travis Dermott looks to be the defender coming out of the lineup to make room for Sandin.
| POLL | ||
12 MARS | 243 ANSWERS Spezza, Sandin in, Robertson, Dermott out for Sunday's Heritage Classic Should the Leafs have scratched someone other than Robertson? | ||
| Yes | 97 | 39.9 % |
| No | 64 | 26.3 % |
| He's young, he'll have other chances | 82 | 33.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
