According to TSN’s Mark Masters who tweeted out the Toronto Maple Leafs lines from morning practice on Wednesday, defenseman Conor Timmins is back in the full rotation.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been down defenseman this year, one of those players has been the 25-year old Timmins who sustained an injury in training camp.
Timmins was acquired one year ago from the Arizona Coyotes for 6’9″ minor league forward Curtis Douglas and the deal looked to be a steal.
Timmins, who was once a top prospect of the Colorado Rockies had dealt with several injuries over his development years which dropped his stock and caused him to bounce around to his now third organization.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Conor Timmins Appears To Be Back
After being acquired from the Coyotes, Timmins appeared to fit right in on the third pairing as he passed the eye test due to his ability to make clean first passes and have an offensive style to his game. While he did have some issues in his own end, he looked like at minimum to be a serviceable bottom pairing defenseman with potential of climbing into the middle pair.
In 25 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2022-23 season, Timmins recorded 15 points, including four assists on the powerplay while averaging 15:37 of ice-time per game.
The St. Catherines native turned a lot of heads this training camp do to his offensive output, as despite playing in just three games he led the team in assists (4), points (6) and plus/minus (+6).
Unfortunately, the lower body injury he sustained has detoured his season to the point Friday, which will be the teams 18th game of the season will likely be his debut.
During Wednesday’s morning skate, Timmins was lined up on the third pair beside William Lagesson. He was also quarterbacking the second powerplay unit that also saw Max Domi, Calle Järnkrok, Matthew Knies and Tyler Bertuzzi.
Bobby McMann Remains in Line-up
Tuesday afternoon, CapFriendly.com reported that Bobby McMann and Simon Benoit had both be reassigned to the Toronto Marlies, however it appears as though it was likely just a paper transaction as both continued to take part in Maple Leafs practice.
While Benoit does not appear to be playing in the next game as he was the seventh defenseman, McMann continued to skate on the fourth line with David Kämpf and Noah Gregor.
The Wainwright, Alberta native has helped solidify the fourth line since being recalled three games ago to take the place of struggling Ryan Reaves.
McMann has recorded a pair of assists and now has three points in 13 NHL games as the 6’2″ winger is still looking for his first career goal after having one called back last season.
The Maple Leafs take on the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday in an afternoon (2PM EST) start.