Craig Berube Makes a Last Minute Healthy Scratch Ahead of Game Vs. the Seattle Kraken
A few minutes before game time, the Toronto Maple Leafs head coach made a surprise last-minute scratch by taking Ryan Reaves out of the lineup.
The Toronto Maple Leafs decided to add some more scoring to their lineup and hopefully give Nick Robertson a chance to break out of the terrible slump he's in. Robertson will line up alongside David Kampf and Steven Lorentz, and he'll be able to get going against a lesser line and perhaps kickstart the bottom of the lineup that desperately needs waking up.
The decision to scratch Reaves isn't necessarily the most surprising, and given that Craig Berube wants to add some more scoring and speed to his energy line, it makes sense to throw Robertson back in the mix. Toronto does not need an enforcer against the Kraken and would benefit much more from Robertson's offensive potential, he's better defensively than Reaves.
It might be the writing on the wall for Reaves, as Toronto still needs to find cap space for Calle Jarnkrok, Connor Dewar, and Jani Hakanpaa and Reaves' bloated salary is doing the Maple Leafs no favors. Craig Berube yanking him out of the lineup last minute isn't a good sign for Reaves, who while does an admirable job; often hinders Toronto too much to justify his ice time.
While Robertson hasn't been impressive, at least he's scored and gives Toronto another weapon in case their other players go a bit cold. It's the best of a bad situation, and clearly, Craig Berube wants to see what Robertson can still offer, or perhaps they're putting him in as trade bait for other teams undoubtedly watching.
Tonight, Ryan Reaves is going to be watching from the press box as Toronto tries to build off their win against the formerly undefeated Winnipeg Jets as they take on the Seattle Kraken at Scotiabank Arena; the game is currently scoreless with half of the first period remaining.
Stay tuned for more information as the night goes on!
