Several factors force Maple Leafs to sign university goalie to back up Campbell for game versus Senators
Article content material
Alex Bishop might get his time within the highlight tonight.
Commercial
This commercial has not loaded but, however your article continues under.
Article content material
The Maple Leafs, all due respect, must be hoping that doesn’t unfold for the College of Toronto netminder.
Because of the groin harm suffered by goalie Petr Mrazek, defenceman Justin Holl’s sickness and wage cap restraints, the Leafs will use Bishop because the backup to Jack Campbell on Saturday night time in opposition to the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Area.
Bishop, who took half within the morning skate, might be signed to a one-day newbie tryout contract.
“It simply comes all the way down to the truth that the flat cap has created some conditions right here which can be much more tough to handle,” Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe stated.
“Whether or not you’re a coach or a participant, you don’t give a lot thought to the backup goaltender. It has nothing to do with what we’re attempting to give attention to tonight.”
Commercial
This commercial has not loaded but, however your article continues under.
Article content material
Keefe acknowledged he didn’t have a full deal with on the scenario. Neither Leafs common supervisor Kyle Dubas nor assistant common supervisor Brandon Pridham, the membership’s capologist — both one might have offered extra readability — have been made accessible to media.
Holl has chilly signs and outcomes of his COVID take a look at had not but come again; had Holl been wholesome, the Leafs might have despatched defenceman Timothy Liljegren, who doesn’t want waivers, to the Toronto Marlies and recalled goalie Michael Hutchinson.
Had Mrazek been positioned on long-term injured reserve, Hutchinson would have been recalled. Keefe stated Mrazek nonetheless was being assessed, and that the harm didn’t seem like one that may maintain the netminder out for the long run.
Commercial
This commercial has not loaded but, however your article continues under.
Article content material
The Leafs might have waived a ahead, for instance Michael Amadio, to recall Hutchinson, however presumably didn’t need to take that threat after dropping Adam Brooks to the Montreal Canadiens on waivers this previous week.
Beneath the collective bargaining settlement, the Leafs can get aid for an emergency recall of Hutchinson — however solely after taking part in brief at a place, on this case in purpose, for one sport.
There’s no likelihood Holl will play on Saturday, regardless of the outcomes of his take a look at, Keefe stated. Liljegren will make his 2021-22 regular-season debut on the Leafs blue line alongside veteran Jake Muzzin.
So far as the goalie image goes, you’d assume the Leafs are retaining their fingers tightly crossed that Campbell makes it by way of the sport in full well being. Having to make use of a college goalie in a Nationwide Hockey League sport, regardless of the explanation, wouldn’t be an excellent look.
Commercial
This commercial has not loaded but, however your article continues under.
Article content material
The 24-year-old Bishop, a local of Richmond Hill, performed for 3 groups in three seasons within the Quebec Main Junior Hockey League earlier than beginning his college profession at U of T in 2018.
Keefe, in the meantime, stated Auston Matthews continues to progress effectively in his restoration from surgical procedure on his left wrist. There stays no timetable for Matthews to return, however Monday at dwelling in opposition to the New York Rangers could possibly be a risk.
Apart from the goalie conundrum and Liljegren in for Holl, the Leafs received’t have any lineup modifications following the 3-2 loss in Ottawa on Thursday.
The Leafs’ projected lineup, based mostly on the morning skate:
LW-C-RW
Nick Ritchie-John Tavares-Mitch Marner
Alex Bunting-Alex Kerfoot-William Nylander
Pierre Engvall-David Kampf-Ondrej Kase
Jason Spezza-Michael Amadio-Wayne Simmonds
Defence
Morgan Rielly-TJ Brodie
Jake Muzzin-Timothy Liljegren
Rasmus Sandin-Travis Dermott
Goalies
Jack Campbell
Alex Bishop
tkoshan@postmedia.com