William Lagesson returns to the lineup as Maple Leafs try to level the season series with Senators.
It’s been more than a month since William Lagesson last appeared in a game, but he’ll return tonight when the Toronto Maple Leafs visit Ottawa to face the Senators in the season series finale.
Yesterday late afternoon, the Toronto Maple Leafs PR account on X announced that the team had recalled defenseman Max Lajoie from the Toronto Marlies, prompting speculation among fans, including me.
Toronto did not have enough salary space to make this move viable, but after some time, it was found that the Maple Leafs placed goaltender Joseph Woll on LTIR retroactive to December 8th, allowing Lajoie to be called up to the NHL.
But nonetheless. Why would they bring up another defenceman when they currently have eight on the active roster? Jake McCabe was hurt during the game versus Dallas, but Sheldon Keefe indicated he would be fine. Mark Giordano skipped the outdoor session, thus he could also have been injured.
Earlier today, after the morning skate, Keefe addressed with the media and confirmed that Giordano and Timmins, who were not on the ice today, are out. Giordano is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body ailment, and Timmins was unable to skate due to illness, so William Lagesson will take his place tonight.
Despite appearing in the majority of Toronto’s games in November and December, the 27-year-old defender has not been a regular this season. But now he has a chance to demonstrate the coaching staff why he deserves to play more often.
Giordano, the NHL’s oldest player, is now injured, and until Brad Treliving trades for blue-line reinforcement, Lagesson and Timmins will be called upon.
