It’s been a whirlwind of a week for many Leafs fans as rumors circulated about a Nylander extension before he ultimately signed the extension yesterday morning. Nylander signed an 8-year, $92M extension to stay with the Leafs, and now the Leafs have more insight when it comes to their plans for the trade deadline and next year as well. Tonight the Leafs will complete the second end of a home-and-home series against the Sharks, this time in Toronto. The flu bug seems to be circulating the Leafs lineup once again, so lines may look different than projected slightly, but let’s take a look below for a glimpse of what to expect.
Leafs Latest Lineup
Three Things to Look Out For
Jones
Martin Jones has been spectacular lately for the Leafs and helped temporarily quiet the goaltending talks for the Leafs. Jones is once again starting tonight against a team he formerly played on. Jones has been steady and a calm presence in the Leafs net. Jones has given the players in front of him confidence and will look to continue doing so as Woll is still a ways away from being back with the Leafs, and Samsonov is practicing with the Marlies looking to find his game again. Jones won 2nd Star of the Week in the league last year, and will look to continue that play tonight.
Robertson
Nick Robertson has been a healthy scratch for the last two games. This has mainly been to get Holmberg some playing time and a look on the Leafs, but with other depth forwards on the Leafs, Robertson was the one who lost his spot in the lineup. Robertson was scheduled to be out for a third game in a row tonight, but due to the flu bug coming back, it looks like Robertson has a chance to come back into the lineup. If Robertson is in the lineup, he will need to ensure he plays with energy and gives the coaching staff a reason to stay in the lineup even when everyone is healthy.
Nylander
After being awarded the biggest contract in Leafs history, Nylander will be a Leaf for the next 8 and a half years. Nylander has progressed his game every year and will look to continue that throughout his deal as he is in his prime. Nylander didn’t let the contract limbo lower his level of play, and now that he’s signed his deal, it will be important for him to keep pushing. Nylander is on pace to break 100 points and seems to be close to also being voted into the All-Star game soon. Keep an eye on Nylander as he looks to continue his strong season tonight.
Tonight’s game starts at 7 p.m. EST on TSN!
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