Leafs Defenseman's Decline Signals Possible Lineup Change for Rematch Against the Sabres
One Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman could find himself on the sidelines for Toronto's next game over concerns of his performance.
It's possible that with the Toronto Maple Leafs that one defenseman may be losing his place with the team on the main roster.
Defenseman Conor Timmins this season has struggled noticeably in recent games struggled with his game, and it's a possibility the team may move him aside for the team's next game.
Timmins struggled heavily against the Dallas Stars yesterday, including back-to-back penalties for the defender early in the first period that quickly resulted in chances for Dallas to start the game.
The rest of the game did not go much more smooth for Timmins, who according to Hockey Stat Cards using data from Natural Stat Trick shows that Timmins was the team's weakest performer on the night vs Dallas.
Nick Richard of 'The Leafs Nation' said that he wouldn't be surprised if Timmins got the benching tomorrow against the Buffalo Sabres, with Philippe Myers slotting into the lineup. Although it seems Richard was only speculating, it could be possibility soon that Timmins could lose out on his place in the lineup.
Being a right-handed defenseman has it's advantages and it's no difference for Timmins who benefits from the lack of options for Toronto in that aspect, no different from most other teams in the league.
Timmins this season has a goal and six points for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 29 games played. Timmins in his third season with Toronto.
Philippe Myers has played in just seven games for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, with a single point. Myers is signed to a one-year contract at league minimum, $775K.
Myers is a six-year NHL veteran with over 150 games of experience at the NHL level.
Neither Conor Timmins or Philippe Myers are going to impact the Toronto Maple Leafs in a major way, but after struggling this season and needing to refresh, it's unclear what the future will face for Conor Timmins with the team, and how long he has left to showcase his ability to be a NHL contributor before the plug is pulled on his roster spot.
