Maple Leafs Forward Set to Make Season Debut vs. Sharks, Replacing Ryan Reaves
The Toronto Maple Leafs will see the season debut of a key forward after a long-awaited absence, but it leads to Ryan Reaves finding himself out of the lineup.
With the Leafs headed back home after a very successful road trip, they take on the middling San Jose Sharks and look to extend their winning streak to six games. A wild game in Pittsburgh could lead the team to feeling a bit exhausted, so an easier game would be nice for them.
But no team comes with any guarantees, and Toronto is going to need some extra firepower if some of their other stars are tired.
However, Monday night will see the season debut of one long-awaited roster member whose season was derailed by injuries.
It seems that the Maple Leafs will finally get Calle Jarnkrok back on the ice after the forward is finally healthy and recovered from sports hernia surgery.
Jarnkrok In; Reaves Out In Much Needed Change For Maple Leafs
He will add a much needed offensive and defensive presence to the team, while aiding in the team's struggling penalty kill, and offers the team a right-handed center in a time where they have none.
Reaves hasn't been as impactful as hoped for the team, and with only one fight under his belt and a lack of any other production; it's time for him to sit once again in favor of a much more well-rounded Jarnkrok.
Last season was a bit of a down year for Jarnkrok, as he only had 10 goals and 21 points in 52 games but still offered solid defense and face-off numbers.
However, two years ago he exploded for 20 goals and 39 points, while adding great penalty killing and defense; something Toronto hopes he can replicate with the final slate of games this season.
Replacing Reaves is a much needed change, as he's in the twilight of his career and his style of play isn't conducive to today's modern game.
In 35 games, Reaves has zero goals and two assists while only fighting one time; the main reason he was brought in.
He was also suspended five games this year for a dirty hit on Darnell Nurse, and is often the target of criticism due to his lack of production.
We'll get to see how Jarnkrok looks as he and the Maple Leafs take on the Sharks at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30PM ET.
