Maple Leafs' Head Coach Hints at an Unexpected Player Joining Tonight's Lineup

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Tom Banks
January 9, 2024 (1:31 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs will face the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night at home, but their lineup may look a little different to what we would normally expect from this team.

Flu going through Maple Leafs camp

Ahead of the Tuesday night clash, Head Coach Sheldon Keefe addressed the media, reporting of a flu bug that's going through camp, one that may see several players missing from the game.

During practice, the team used both Ryan Reaves and Nick Robertson as extras, but given the sickness, there's the potential that one of those names may get into the lineup.

Nick Robertson to find his way into the lineup?

When asked about the young forward, Keefe was complimentary of the 22-year old who has stayed healthy all season, but addressed some key areas that he needs to improve upon.

"I think he has shown that he can play in the league. Also, I don't know that he's really fully separated himself from the pack. That's the next piece. I've talked to him about importance of taking care of the puck and being able to execute plays." - Keefe on the play of Robertson this season

The best way for him to improve upon these things is by getting into the game, and after playing 24 games this year, it appears as though if the sickness continues we may see him in the lineup in a perfect opportunity against San Jose for him to make a big time statement.

Sheldon Keefe says the flu bug has re-emerged again so Nick Robertson might get into the lineup tonight.

We'll have to wait and see.

As Read on Maple Leafs Insider - Leafs head coach reveals that we may have a surprise addition to tonight's lineup