Scenes from Leafs’ practice: Auston Matthews receives maintenance day, Calle Jarnkrok used as placeholder

Scenes from Leafs’ practice: Auston Matthews receives maintenance day, Calle Jarnkrok used as placeholder

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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews was granted a maintenance day during Friday’s practice session. Matthews skated prior to the session, but did not participate with the team.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube reiterated that Matthews was merely getting some rest, as Calle Jarnkrok operated as a placeholder during practice. Jarnkrok has been excellent form to start the year, with three goals in five games.

“Yeah, a lot of us saw last year,” Berube said of Matthews. “I mean, I think he’s been pretty solid. I mean, again, well, we’re gonna look at the goal scoring, right? I look at the whole game, but, you know, he is scoring, he’s healthy, feels good. He’s been a good player in all aspects of the game.”

Steven Lorentz could be an option for Saturday’s game against the Seattle Kraken. Lorentz suffered an upper-body injury against the Detroit Red Wings on October 11, but was potentially available for Thursday’s game against the New York Rangers. The winger skated alongside Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua during Friday’s line rushes.

“That’s just the way it goes, I’m happy we got the win. Obviously, as a competitor you want to be in the lineup,” Lorentz said Friday.

Matthew Knies led the stretch to conclude the practice session. Knies is celebrating his 23rd birthday and Easton Cowan said that he’s not aiming to buy his linemate a present, noting with a smile that he already has enough.

Anthony Stolarz is the projected starter for Saturday’s game. Stolarz was in outstanding form during Thursday’s 2-1 win against the New York Rangers and was the primary reason why the Maple Leafs emerged with the victory.

Maple Leafs’ projected lineup vs. Kraken

Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Easton Cowan

Matias Maccelli-John Tavares-William Nylander

Nick Robertson-Max Domi-Bobby McMann 

Steven Lorentz-Nicolas Roy-Dakota Joshua 

Jake McCabe-Chris Tanev

Morgan Rielly-Brandon Carlo 

Simon Benoit-Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Anthony Stolarz (projected starter)

Cayden Primeau

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