Report: Babcock announces key addition to the lineup tonight

Finally.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Babcock announces key addition to the lineup tonight
KeyStone Press

The Toronto Maple Leafs are home tonight taking on the Metropolitan divison leaders, the New Jersey Devils (say what now?).

It's already been reported that Auston Matthews will miss yet another game due to injury, although after practicing Wednesday with the team, his return should be imminent.

His absence paves the way for Nikita Soshnikov, who will make his debut for the Leafs this season.

The Russian wasn't very productive through 56 games last season, only putting up 9 points. But with 12 points in 14 games for the Toronto Marlies this season, and a tricky contractual issue looming, he finally earns his chance to step up in the NHL.

If he hadn't been called up this past Tuesday, he would've had the right to defect back to Russia - hopefully, that situation is over.

Source: Twitter