Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (illness) and goaltender Joseph Woll (lower-body tightness) did not practice Monday.
“He’s better, but still not there yet to practice today,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Tavares via TSN’s Mark Masters. Tavares registered his first goal of the season during Thursday’s victory over the New Jersey Devils.
Tavares was ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins due to the illness, and did not attend the morning skate. Pontus Holmberg was initially promoted to a second-line in his absence but if Tavares can’t play Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings, it appears that Bobby McMann-Max Domi-William Nylander will feature as the team’s second line.
Matthew Knies took reps in place of Tavares’ on the team’s first power play unit, while Oliver Ekman-Larsson was moved to the first unit, while Morgan Rielly joined a group featuring Domi, McMann, Nick Robertson and Max Pacioretty.
Woll was placed on injured reserve prior to Wednesday’s season opener against the Montreal Canadiens and is eligible to return October 16 against the Kings. Anthony Stolarz has operated as the team’s starting goaltender during Woll’s absence, while Dennis Hildeby won his first career NHL start against New Jersey on Thursday.
It appears that Woll is recovering well from the injury and could be in line for a return as early as Wednesday. Woll was on the ice prior to the formal practice session Monday.
“It’s a good sign. He’s improving,” Berube said via Masters, indicating that he could be back at practice Tuesday.
In other news, Timothy Liljegren practiced alongside Simon Benoit on the team’s third defence pair, while Conor Timmins was moved to the fourth unit. Liljegren has been a healthy scratch for the team’s first three games as he was outplayed by Timmins in training camp and the 25-year-old is reportedly being considered as a trade candidate.
