Maple Leafs Make Surprising Roster Move

The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for game number two in the past three days against the Calgary Flames, and after the Leafs won on Sunday afternoon, they've decided to go with a very different look on Tuesday night.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe has confirmed Jason Spezza, Alexander Barabanov and Travis Dermott will all be out of the lineup. Forwards Travis Boyd and Joey Anderson will come in up front, meanwhile Mikko Lehtonen will suit up once again for the Leafs.

The big surprise here is Dermott coming out, as he'll be a healthy scratch for the first time in over two years. The young defenseman has been linked to several trade reports recently as the Leafs try and decide how to regain some forward depth with the injury to Joe Thornton. Perhaps this move is related to the report below....

Penguins and Maple Leafs Discussing Another Deal 💥💥💥https://t.co/pmEYTJNJYB
— NHL Trade Rumors (@NHLTradeRumors) January 24, 2021

The team has also announced, goaltender Jack Campbell with be out weeks with a lower-body injury and Michael Hutchinson will now be the backup for the foreseeable future.

The Leafs have one of the deepest rosters in the league and it's certainly being tested at the moment. If the team starts to struggle, look for general manager, Kyle Dubas to pull the trigger on an early trade this season because of the 14-day quarantine protocol and a shorter season.

Interesting times for Leafs Nation!

Photo credit: Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire