The Toronto Maple Leafs practiced Friday for the first time since a tough 6-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday.
One of the first to hit the ice Friday was Chris Tanev, who skated alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Tanev hasn’t played since exiting an October 21st contest against the New Jersey Devils after a collision with forward Dawson Mercer. He was later placed on IR retroactive to that date. After practice, Tanev shared he has cleared protocol and is likely to return Saturday night, per The Hockey News’ David Alter.
William Nylander and Calle Jarnkrok also skated with the team on Friday, slotting in on the first and fourth lines, respectively. Nylander has been in and out of the lineup over the past week, owing to an undisclosed injury suffered against the Buffalo Sabres last Friday. Practicing alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, Nylander shared he felt good Friday and will see how he feels ahead of tomorrow’s game.
Jarnkrok may also be back in the lineup tomorrow, skating on the fourth line with Max Domi and Sammy Blais. The Swede last appeared with the team last Saturday in a 4-3 OT victory over the Buffalo Sabres. He got off to a hot start this season with three goals through his first three games, but hasn’t earned a point in five games since.
Scott Laughton skated on Friday as an extra rotating through different spots in the lineup. The Oakville native has not appeared yet this season with the Leafs, owing to an injury suffered in the preseason. Now skating with the team, he looks to be on track to return soon. Fellow bottom-sixer Steven Lorentz was not at practice Friday after exiting the game on Wednesday with an upper-body injury. After practice, head coach Craig Berube said Laughton is doubtful to play tomorrow, while Lorentz is listed as day-to-day.
Meanwhile, goaltender Joseph Woll did not skate with the team on Friday, likely having remained in Toronto as he prepares for a possible AHL conditioning stint.
The Maple Leafs face off against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday for a Hockey Night in Canada showdown.
Here’s how the Leafs lined up at practice on Friday, per David Alter:
Forwards:
Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – William Nylander
Matias Maccelli – John Tavares – Bobby McMann
Dakota Joshua – Nicolas Roy – Easton Cowan
Sammy Blais – Max Domi – Calle Jarnkrok
Extras (rotating): Nick Robertson, Scott Laughton
Defence:
Morgan Rielly – Brandon Carlo
Simon Benoit – Jake McCabe
Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Chris Tanev
Dakota Mermis – Philippe Myers
Goalies:
Anthony Stolarz, Cayden Primeau
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