Luke Haymes makes NHL debut as Maple Leafs navigate back-to-back and draft-pick stakes
Photo credit: STEVEN ELLIS/DAILY FACEOFF)
Luke Haymes will get his first real taste at NHL action, but William Villeneuve is not likely to play.
The Toronto Maple Leafs called up three players, Artur Akhtyamov, Luke Haymes, & Ryan Tverberg, with injuries to Anthony Stolarz and Dakota Joshua, as well as Benoit-Olivier Groulx being sent to the minors.
However, William Villeneuve, who was recalled following an injury Wednesday to fellow defenseman Brandon Carlo, is unlikely to draw in tonight against the New York Islanders.
As well, Tverberg isn't expected to play either as the Leafs stick with their veteran lineup against the Islanders on a back-to-back.
With Carlo out, it would appear that Troy Stecher gets the nod back in the Leafs lineup, which will likely have Philippe Myers remaining on the top pairing, and Villeneuve out.
Luke Haymes provides the relentless motor that the veteran core has lacked for three seasons
Two Toronto Maple Leafs youngsters are confirmed to be in the lineup in goaltender Artur Akhtyamov and forward Luke Haymes vs the Islanders.
Haymes, who was signed as a college free agent last season out of Dartmouth, has quickly become a top player with the Marlies, scoring 17 goals and 32 points in 64 games this season for Toronto.
The 22-year-old comes in as a replacement for Dakota Joshua, who was injured in Wednesday's game after a collision with Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin in the second period.
Haymes will get his first career game in the NHL with Toronto tonight against the Islanders after a season, a potential showcase for a likely changing Leafs bottom-six next season.
The exclusion of William Villeneuve to get a game in after a second call-up this season has drawn criticism for Leafs fans over their handling of the 24-year-old.
Villeneuve, who is in his fourth season in the Marlies, has not played a single game for the big club, and at the end of a dead seasons, fans have expressed disappointment that the Leafs rookie may go another season without a chance.
Instead, Troy Stecher is expected to re-insert into the lineup. Philippe Myers, who has two points in 38 games this season, likely remains the Leafs top RHD.
Steve Dangle said that Berube should be fired, evidently irritated with the lack of playing time for the Leafs young players.
James Mirtle of The Athletic is among the voices critical of the Leafs decision not to play their youngsters, including Villeneuve, in a season already over.
Artur Akhtyamov nets his first start as a Leaf
Artur Akhtyamov comes in after the injury Wednesday to Anthony Stolarz, who left early in the first period against Washington.
Tonight's game is the first NHL start for Akhtyamov, who appeared in just a single game in relief, having played in 36 AHL games this season, having a 20-12-4 record with the Marlies.
Joseph Woll was supposed to play tonight's game against the Islanders, but had his start come prematurely on Wednesday in relief of Stolarz.
The more experienced Dennis Hildeby played Wednesday's AHL game against the Utica Comets, which made Akhtyamov the planned netminder instead.
The draft pick logic trap is forcing the brass into some high stakes roster decisions tonight
The Toronto Maple Leafs are playing like every game is a must-win in their last four games, already out of the playoffs but not letting up.
Even eliminated from postseason contention, Craig Berube is still playing his team like a contender, focusing on the veterans and keeping the rookies on the sidelines.
Players such as Easton Cowan and Dennis Hildeby weren't meant to be Leafs this season, but it seems Berube hasn't taken the lesson to let the rookies prove themselves.
Just outside of a bottom-five spot that would give Toronto some safety in the draft lottery, as their pick transfers to Boston if sixth overall or higher, but Berube would seem unfazed, and still wanting to win as much as he can.
Even past the brink of elimination and at risk of losing their first round pick if they keep winning, Craig Berube is still coaching like a head coach expecting 100% each night.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
The Maple Leafs are one step closer to making Sunny Mehta their next GM
The Maple Leafs are one step closer to making Sunny Mehta their next GM
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 9|641 ANSWERS Luke Haymes makes NHL debut as Maple Leafs navigate back-to-back and draft-pick stakes Should the Leafs let William Villeneuve play at least one game for Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 604 | 94.2 % |
| No | 37 | 5.8 % |
| List of polls | ||