Lineups announced for tonight's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings
The rosters for tonight's pre season matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs & the Detroit Red Wings have been released.
With just a few preseason games left, the Maple Leafs & Red Wings are finalizing their lineup for the new season. Competition for the remaining roster spots is tight as both rookies & veterans look to make their case.
For Thursday's game the Leafs are fielding a roster heavy with prospects and young players. Veterans like Steven Lorentz, David Kampf, Max Pacioretty & Timothy Liljegren will be on the ice along with goalie Anthony Stolarz. The rest of the lineup includes younger players like Nikita Grebenkin, Alex Nylander, Roni Hirvonen, Alex Steeves & Nick Robertson who is getting another chance to prove himself. Bobby McMann is also set to play.
On defense, aside from Liljegren, the Leafs will mostly rely on AHL players. Marshall Rifai, who has impressed during preseason, will get another chance and is practicing on the third defensive pair.
In goal, Artur Akhtyamov and Anthony Stolarz will split time. Coach Craig Berube is giving his backup Stolarz more reps while evaluating Akhtyamov's performance alongside fellow goalie prospect Dennis Hildeby, who played well in the Leafs' previous win against Montreal.
David Alter shared that Topi Niemela will be on the top power-play unit which suggests he may be closer to earning a call up than expected. Easton Cowan will also play his fifth preseason game as the Leafs seem keen to give their 2023 first round pick every opportunity to show he belongs on the team even at just 19 years old.
It'll be interesting to see how these young players perform as they fight for a spot on the final roster.
As for the Red Wings, it sounds like they will be icing a full lineup of regulars.
