Toronto Maple Leafs: Dermott Sick, Kevin Gravel Recalled Then Sent Back
By Alex Hobson
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced a call-up today.
On Friday morning, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they recalled defenseman Kevin Gravel from the Toronto Marlies. This news came prior to the announcement that Travis Dermott is sick.
Gravel hasn’t had much playing time this year after suffering an injury back in November. He’s appeared in three games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and eight games with the Toronto Marlies, failing to register any points. The 6’3 defender agreed to a one year contract at league minimum with the Leafs back in July after spending three years in the Los Angeles Kings organization and one year with the Edmonton Oilers.
As Leaf fans, it’s pretty much fan code that we need to overreact at every single move the organization makes. So naturally, the first thing that came to mind for fans is the thought of a trade happening.
But as it usually goes, this in fact doesn’t appear to be true. Gravel was simply called up for the purpose of having a body for practice while Travis Dermott takes an off-day to recover.
Gravel hasn’t played since November, but according to Marlies broadcaster Todd Crocker, he’s close to being back. So it’s more than likely that he’s simply getting a few practices in before he’s ready to get back to in-game action for the Marlies.
In the meantime, Martin Marincin is being paired with Tyson Barrie while Dermott recovers.
Nothing to see here. Move along.
Late Breaking Developments
Kevin Gravel has been sent back to the Toronto Marlies!
While it was at first feared that Dermott could have been traded or injured, it turned out he was just feeling under the weather. The Leafs recalled Gravel, but the promotion was short lived.
Some of have suggested this was done for cap reasons, others that it was to give Gravel a practice with the big club. The motives don’t really matter, as the end result is the same:
The Gravel fan club is going to have to wait yet another day to see their boy in action.
Next. Leafs Who Could Win Awards. dark
The Toronto Maple Leafs will look to win their third game in a row tomorrow night against the Ottawa Senators, without Kevin Gravel. It is a must win for the Leafs who can’t afford another bad game against an inferior opponent.
Look for Michael Hutchinson to get the start in net.