Maple Leafs Provide Important Updates on Reaves, Hildeby, Kampf Ahead of Tuesday's Game in Columbus
The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a trio of announcements on Tuesday ahead of puck drop in Columbus involving David Kampf, Ryan Reaves and Dennis Hildeby.
Following an optional skate this morning, the Maple Leafs announced that Kampf would be coming out of the lineup, with the veteran Ryan Reaves drawing in. This decision comes amid growing rumors about potential trades on the horizon in Toronto.
Kampf was spotted at the optional skate earlier today, skating with Timothy Liljegren and the injured Joseph Woll, which seemed odd, given Kampf's status as a centerman and Reaves' status as a winger.
As noted by Mark Masters on X:
Kampf sitting as a healthy scratch for only the second time with the Leafs''
As Masters highlights, this marks only the second time Kampf has been scratched throughout his NHL career. With a significant number of scouts attending Maple Leafs games recently, there are increasing signs that a trade may be on the way, and with his $2.4M salary, a Kampf trade could be looked at as a good way to clear some salary. Kampf's status as a potential trade asset could also increase with Fraser Minten nearing full health.
Additionally, Joseph Woll remains sidelined due to injury, paving the way for Dennis Hildeby to draw in once again, as reported by David Alter on X:
Hildeby solid in net in his Maple Leafs' debut against New Jersey earlier this month. Now, he has another opportunity to demonstrate his reliability to the Maple Leafs organization.
The Leafs come into tonight's game on the heels of a big win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hopefully, they can keep the ball rolling against a young and hungry Blue Jackets team.
