Maple Leafs Make Lineup Changes Ahead of Avalanche Game

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the hottest teams in the NHL. On Wednesday they will take on the Colorado Avalanche and while Nathan MacKinnon is expected back for the Avs, it appears the Maple Leafs will also be welcoming a fresh face to their forward group.

Joey Anderson has been inserted onto the Maple Leafs third-line and looks to fill in for a game or two while Toronto waits for Ondrej Kase to get healthy again.

Joey Anderson will play for the Leafs tomorrow, coach Sheldon Keefe confirms@TSN_Edge
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) November 30, 2021

Ondrej Kase skated this morning, coach Keefe says … positive sign

Plan is for him to join the morning skate tomorrow as he works his way back from upper-body injury @TSN_Edge
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) November 30, 2021

Anderson was acquired by the Maple Leafs in the Andreas Johnsson trade with the New Jersey Devils. He's yet to see a regular shift with the big club and has been developing his skills mostly with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.

So far this season in the AHL, Anderson has recorded seven points in 13 games. Anderson was a third-round pick of the Devils back at the 2016 draft and has collected 13 points in 53 career NHL games.

Leafs Nation can look for Anderson to use his speed and create offense with his advanced hockey IQ. He's going to be playing with David Kampf, so getting back to help the defense will be a must. Big game for Anderson as he looks to make an impression on the Maple Leafs coaching staff.

Veteran tough guy Kyle Clifford will be taken out of the lineup as Anderson is inserted for Wednesday's game.