Maple Leafs Winger Hurting; Forward Recalled From AHL

After a barn-burning start to the season with 13 goals and two wins in their first two games, the Toronto Maple Leafs have only scored twice in their last two contests, both losses. It's doubtful that Friday's minor roster shakeup will have much impact, but they've made a move nonetheless.

With Tyler Bertuzzi ailing, Leafs call up F Pontus Holmberg just in case. Cap necessitates extra D Simon Benoit moved to Marlies.

— Lance Hornby 🇺🇦 (@sunhornby) October 20, 2023

With winger Tyler Bertuzzi playing through injury thus far (he admitted that he's been at “less than 100%" this season), the Leafs have called up forward Pontus Holmberg from the Marlies of the AHL. To make room under the cap, extra defenseman Simon Benoit shuttles down to the Marlies. 

Holmberg spent 37 games up with the Leafs last season, recording five goals and 13 points in just over 10 minutes of ice time per night. 

Nothing, to no surprise, changed in Holmberg's game during his start with the #Marlies before being recalled by the #Leafs today. Coach John Gruden: "I’m happy for him that he is getting this opportunity. He’s a 200-foot player, can play in all situations & you can rely on him."

— Terry Koshan 🇺🇦 (@koshtorontosun) October 20, 2023

Marlies head coach John Gruden says it's well-deserved for Holmberg. "I’m happy for him that he is getting this opportunity. He’s a 200-foot player, can play in all situations & you can rely on him."

Holmberg skated as the 4th-line centre at Leafs practice Friday morning. 

As for Bertuzzi, the news is not so good. 

Head coach Sheldon Keefe won't say if the left winger will miss any time. 

“Possibly. We will have to see," Keefe said. "This is something he is dealing with, [though] it is not too severe. But even on the bench, he is trying to stay loose and get ready for his next shift. That is not a good sign to me.”

Bertuzzi has one goal in four games thus far, mostly playing on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, though he was removed from that trio during Thursday night's loss to the Florida Panthers. 

Photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports