Sheldon Keefe Reveals Major Changes In The Maple Leafs' Lines For Tonight's Game

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Julien Trekker
March 2, 2023 (8:08 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have bolstered their defense with the recent acquisitions of Luke Schenn and Erik Gustafsson, and fans will get their first look at the new additions tonight as they take on the Calgary Flames.

Former Maple Leaf Schenn Returns to Toronto

Luke Schenn, a former 5th overall draft pick, is returning to the Maple Leafs after more than a decade away from the team. The defenseman last played for the Leafs in 2012 before being traded away to the Philadelphia Flyers. Schenn was acquired in a recent trade for a third-round pick, and he is expected to bring some much-needed physicality to the team's defense.

Schenn's return to Toronto has been met with excitement from fans who remember his hard-hitting style of play during his previous stint with the team. He will be replacing Timothy Liljegren in the lineup for tonight's game.

Gustafsson Joins Leafs After Trade

Erik Gustafsson is another recent addition to the Maple Leafs' defense. He was acquired in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick. Gustafsson has been a solid defenseman throughout his career and is expected to provide some offensive firepower to the Leafs' blue line.

Gustafsson will also make his debut for the team tonight against the Flames, as Sheldon Keefe looks to shake things up and get his new players some ice time.

Keefe Confirms Schenn and Gustafsson Will Play Tonight

Sheldon Keefe, the head coach of the Maple Leafs, confirmed that both Schenn and Gustafsson will make their debut for the team tonight. Keefe also announced that the team will go with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen, with Zach Aston-Reese and Liljegren coming out of the lineup.

According to Keefe, the decision to sit Liljegren was not due to injury concerns but rather to get the other players some playing time. This means that Schenn and Gustafsson will have the opportunity to prove themselves and make an impact on their first game with the team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made some significant changes to their defense ahead of the trade deadline, and fans are eager to see how the new additions will perform. With Luke Schenn bringing his physicality and Erik Gustafsson adding offensive firepower, the Leafs' defense looks stronger than ever. As the team gears up for a playoff run, the debut of Schenn and Gustafsson tonight will give fans a glimpse of what's to come.