BREAKING: Leafs Choose Replacement for Michael Bunting
With a potential suspension for Michael Bunting looming, the Leafs have made a major change to their forward lines.
After being assessed for a match penalty for an illegal hit to the head of Lightning D Erik Cernak, Matthew Knies appears to be taking the place of Bunting in the Leafs lineup, being seen in practice wearing a white skater jersey, as opposed to the Grey jerseys for extra skaters.
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, it appears likely Bunting will be suspended, and that Knies will slot in for Game 2.
Bunting will be having a hearing with NHL Player Safety today, scheduled for 3PM, and could be out for a substantial amount of time.
Already down 1-0 to the Tampa Bay Lightning following a 7-3 blowout, Toronto loses a key force to their offense, but will hope the young Knies can help fill the lost void.
POLL |
Should Michael Bunting be suspended for his hit on Erik Cernak? |
Yes | 527 | 49.8 % |
No | 531 | 50.2 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Austin Kelly Former Leafs Player's Surprise Healthy Scratch Sparks Controversy |
|
4 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Craig Berube Makes Immediate Lineup Changes in Response to Auston Matthews' Injury |
|
5 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Breaking Down the Exact Moment Auston Matthews Re-aggravated His Injury |
|
6 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Insider Nick Kypreos Reports Matt Murray Rejected Multiple NHL Offers to Stay With the Maple Leafs |
|
8 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Devastating News for Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews |
|
9 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Brad Treliving Makes Urgent Move Involving Matt Murray During NHL Roster Freeze |
|
11 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Matt Rempe Faces Possible Suspension After Another Ejection for a Reckless Hit |
|
22 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Matt Murray Breaks His Silence After Earning His First Win Of The Season: "It's Been A Long Journey" |
Previously on HockeyPatrol