While initial reports suggested that Conor Timmins could make his debut on Wednesday, Sheldon Keefe says ''not so fast''
It's been approximately one week since the Leafs acquired defenseman Conor Timmins from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for prospect Curtis Douglas and we still have yet to see Timmins suit up for the Buds in game action. Originally, it had appeared as though Timmins would make his Leafs debut on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks, as several media outlets had reported that he'd be paired with Victor Mete on the team's third pair. Following practice on Tuesday, however, Sheldon Keefe told the media to temper their expectations.
According to Keefe, Tuesday's practice was Timmins' first full-length practice with the team and that the coaching staff has not yet had a chance to discuss whether or not Timmins would play, which means that his Leafs' debut could once again be delayed.
Timmins is a 6'2, 202-pound right-shot blueliner who plays a strong, two-way game and who can be very physical. He's the type of player that the Leafs really lack on the back end with Muzzin sidelined and he could be a game-changer for the Buds in that sense. However, Keefe and company preached patience with the 24-year-old right from the moment that he was acquired and had emphasized last week that they would not rush him into the lineup before he was fully ready.
With the Leafs playing so well of late, I suppose that there is really no need to hurry Timmins along, even though Leafs Nation is chomping at the bit to see him in action. In the meantime, with Mac Hollowell fitting in nicely on the bottom pair, I suppose we should count our blessings. Having too many NHL-caliber defensemen is a good problem to have.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 29 | 109 ANSWERS While initial reports suggested that Conor Timmins could make his debut on Wednesday, Sheldon Keefe says ''not so fast'' Is Sheldon Keefe just playing mind games with the media in Toronto with his vague, non-committal stance on when Timmins will make his Leafs debut? | ||
| Yes | 74 | 67.9 % |
| No | 35 | 32.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
