Maple Leafs Make Last Minute Roster Move Ahead of Game vs. The Red Wings
The Toronto Maple Leafs get a major roster addition ahead of tonight's game against the Detroit Red Wings at the cost of a fan favorite.
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed that forward Bobby McMann would be back in the lineup for the team ahead of tonight's game vs Detroit.
McMann is expected to play on the third line on the wing alongside Fraser Minten and Max Domi as the group lined up in practice yesterday.
Nikita Grebenkin's Short But Endearing Time
Backcheck, forecheck and unfortunately, a reality check for Nikita Grebenkin as he's dropped from the Toronto Maple Leafs roster with Bobby McMann officially off injured reserve.
Grebenkin has been sent down to the AHL to join the Toronto Marlies where he will continue to help them as they currently sit 4th in the North Division with a 12-3-5 record.
McMann has 6 goals and 7 points in 21 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season but was starting to look on the verge of breaking out before being injured.
Grebenkin has been pointless this season in seven games played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in his first season since joining from Russia but his potential excited both fans and management
He also endeared himself to the Toronto media with his charm and boyish personality, also taking time to talk to fans outside the arena.
McMann, who has played on the Top 6 for Toronto previously in parts of this season and last, is for now being on the wing on Toronto's third line, potentially a temporary move.
If McMann shows the ability for his game to return to form after his injury, believed to be to his groin, in a game against the Florida Panthers on November 27th, it's only good news for the Maple Leafs.
According to Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun, it will likely be enforcer Ryan Reaves coming out of the lineup for Toronto tonight.
Reaves has just 1 point in 21 games for Toronto this season.
He has also missed five games this season due to suspension after an illegal headshot to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.
The Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night in Detroit with the puck scheduled to drop at 7:00pm EST.
Toronto was 1-1-1 against the Red Wings last season in three games played.
