The Maple Leafs are back in action tonight, playing the Nashville Predators here in Toronto with one of those rare 7:30 p.m. starts.
Yesterday’s practice brought news that defenceman TJ Brodie is out again with his continuing rib injury, but also there was a hint that Auston Matthews may be nursing an injury too.
Matthews skipped Tuesday’s practice with permission from coach Sheldon Keefe for a “maintenance day,” which is common enough during the season, with most players taking two or three over the many months when they get particularly nasty bumps and bruises.
However, this time the rumour mill switched to high-gear when it was also announced the Leafs had called up Bobby McMann from the Toronto Marlies, who also plays center like Matthews.