Interestingly, rookie forward Fraser Minten will remain a healthy scratch when the Leafs take on the Capitals tomorrow night.
The 19-year-old forward came out of nowhere at training camp, shocking the entire hockey world when he made the Leafs opening night roster.
Since then, the youngster has played in four of the team's five games while averaging just under 11:30 time on ice per game.
He was a healthy scratch for the first time in the Leaf's last game against the Lightning, which the team won 4-3 in overtime.
Keefe explained that he wants the rookie forward to soak in the experience, but not get overwhelmed.
Many fans have speculated that the Leafs will send Minten back to the WHL after playing nine games in the league.
Scratching him here and there is a good way for the team to keep him around the club while delaying their decision.
After he plays 9 games his entry-level contract would officially kick in. Minten is ineligible to play in the AHL due to the CHL-NHL agreement that keeps over-age players in the CHL.
As seen on Maple Leafs Daily:
Leafs rookie to miss second consecutive game; Sheldon Keefe explains why
POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 23 | 273 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe Sheds Light On Why Leafs' Rookie Sits Out For The Second Consecutive Game Will Minten play more than 9 games with the Leafs this season? | ||
Yes | 103 | 37.7 % |
No | 170 | 62.3 % |
List of polls |