TORONTO — As the regular season ends, the Toronto Maple Leafs are entering a period of secrecy regarding their playoff strategy.
General Manager Brad Treliving addressed the media but remained tight-lipped about player health and lineup decisions for Game 1, leaving it to be revealed closer to game time.
The Maple Leafs used Good Friday for rest before their final practice on Saturday, preparing for their Easter Sunday game against the Ottawa Senators.
Ryan Reaves has been recalled from the AHL, adding a veteran presence to the team after a brief stint with the Marlies for salary cap reasons.
Treliving acknowledged the difficulty of sending Reaves to the AHL but emphasized his continued importance to the team`s locker room and expressed relief he remained within the organization.
With the salary cap restrictions eased for the playoffs, the Maple Leafs can carry additional players, potentially allowing veterans like Reaves, Max Pacioretty, and Jani Hakanpää to play roles in the upcoming tournament.
These veterans, along with injured players Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jake McCabe, and David Kämpf, participated in Friday`s optional skate, suggesting possible returns to the lineup.
