i really hope after dermott gets a few games they swap him and ceci

Can we confirm that Timashov is waivers exempt? Would be tempting to keep him and send down Shore, but I get that Babcock loves Shore's defense and Faceoff ability.

He's not. That's probably the reason why he made the team out of camp. He's looked pretty good, but I didn't think he stood out enough in camp to win the job outright

I'm really surprised by Timashov play. Seems more fearless than I expect after watching him as being rather meh with the Marlies. What I saw of the Bruins game, he might have been the best Leaf forward.
Between Spezza and Shore on who gets demoted I would think.

I would have to agree with you here. With Tavares out it may seem wiser to keep a centre like shore but Timashov has been excellent and you would risk losing him on waivers.

If the Leafs put Timashov on waivers, he's gone almost instantly. I agree with both of you that he's been excellent in the ice time he's been given.

My impressions of Timashov as a Marlie. More of a permitter player, smart enough and quick enough for the AHL as third line winger. But in the NHL so far, against faster, stronger, smarter players he has adjusted. It's like he has adjusted jut over the summer and doesn't mind playing without much time and space. His quickness has made him an effective forechecker. We'll see if he can keep it up.
Plus I'm sorta pulling for the guy. Leaving home so young to seek his hockey dream in North America.

Had been saying it since before preseason, Timashov deserved to be on the team.
He has played solid.

I wanna keep Shore over Speeza right now too.


Not sure I wanto pair Rielly and Dermott together, I want Dermott to take over as 2nd pair LD next year and give a RD to Rielly, who that RD will be is mystery but I have some ideas I have floated out at times.

Here’s an interesting question that the Leafs current state of roster might raise; does a team need to dress 18 skaters, or can they dress less?

With all healthy and if you want to keep Timashov, I am guessing that this then has to be your line up? Not sure if that leaves enough room for one scratch or not? I really like the look of that 4th line. Two fast wingers and even Gauthier looks quicker this year and more effective on forecheck.
Johnsson-Matthews-Nylander
Hyman-Tavares-Marner
Mikheyev-Kerfoot-Kapanen
Timashov-Gauthier-Moore

Rielly-Ceci
Muzzin-Barrie
Dermott-Holl

I see trade happening as going super thin roster size wise is a bad idea.
Its hockey, injuries WILL, not IF, happen.

At least by next year, I see Kapanen and Hyman being moved.