Hope high for roster reinforcements
Matthews getting close to returning to action, and Nylander could join him
Not that they necessarily need one, but the Maple Leafs are going to get a boost — or two — in very short order.
Auston Matthews is on his way back from a shoulder injury suffered a month ago, while William Nylander’s contract situation should be sorted out by Saturday at the latest amid growing optimism the young Swede will return to the fold.
“It’s really exciting. Those two guys bring a lot to this team,” said Mitch Marner, who picked up two assists Saturday in a 6-0 win over Philadelphia. “It will be special bringing those two back. It adds a step to our team, which is what we need.”
Matthews seems nearly recovered but needs practice time before he plays again, meaning he likely won’t suit up Monday against Boston. Nylander, a restricted free agent, has until Saturday to sign in order to play in the NHL this season. When they do return, that’s twothirds of a No. 1 line.
“Ideally, that’s what you had in mind when you started the year,” Leafs head coach Mike Babcock said after Saturday’s home win. “I expected to have them a lot sooner than we have, but we’ll be excited to have them both.”
The Leafs have done very well without them. What could they do with them?
“We have a Stanley Cup challenger team,” said winger Andreas Johnsson, who notched his first career hat trick Saturday. “There are a lot of good teams in the league, but I feel like we have a big chance here. Stay healthy and keep up the progress and we have a chance.”
The return of Matthews and possibly Nylander will force changes. Two current forwards will become healthy scratches and somebody will have to be moved — either traded or put on waivers and bound for the AHL Marlies. Those on the bubble are well aware.
“I don’t think they’re sensing it; I think they know it,” Babcock said. “They’re smart guys.” Three forwards who have been healthy scratches — Johnsson, Tyler Ennis and Frederik Gauthier — have put up points in the past few games.
“We want to play,” Johnsson said. “We want to have more ice time. That means we have to play good every day or you’re out of the lineup.”
The idea as drawn up over the summer was to have Patrick Marleau on the left wing with Matthews and Nylander, but Ennis debuted there because of the contract impasse. Marleau has played well with Nazem Kadri and Kasperi Kapanen since Matthews’ injury, so Babcock may be loath to break up that line.
Meanwhile, Marner, Zach Hyman and John Tavares have been together all season and are one of the top producing lines in the NHL.
So, there could be an opening for a No. 1 left winger. Of the group, Johnsson has made the strongest case. He made a huge impact in a short time with the Leafs at the end of last season and had a stellar run with the Marlies, named MVP of the Calder Cup playoffs.
His confidence waned at the start of this season with limited minutes at the bottom of the lineup, as he learned to adapt his game to the big-league level.
“You’re learning how big people are, you’re learning how to hold on to the puck, you’re learning how to stand up in traffic, you’re learning how to play in your own zone,” Babcock said. “You think you do, but you find out when you get here you didn’t …
“The other thing about the league, it takes your confidence away. The players are too good and you never touch the puck. For Johnsson, this (Saturday hat trick, all in the first period) is a big step. Now, can he turn it into something and get some rhythm in his game and get going? Ideally, he can.”
While the Leafs stood fourth overall in the NHL as of Sunday, their division is the tightest at the top, with Buffalo two points ahead and leading the standings, while Tampa was tied with Nashville for second overall.
“We’re somewhat happy with what we’ve been doing,” said Frederik Andersen. “Like anything, there’s always room for improvement. Given the fact we’re in a tough division, with a lot of teams doing well. That’s the thing about it: We still had a good start, but we have lots of pressure to keep going and keep motivating ourselves just by looking at the standings.
“You want to keep up and do your part to collect points early on and put some in the bank.”
So, getting back to a full lineup with Matthews and probably Nylander can only help.
“The big thing is, once we get our full, ideal lineup, it’s still about executing.
“It’s still about playing,” Andersen said.