Toronto Maple Leafs News

Tavares walks away from the Islanders after nine seasons, in which he scored 272 goals with 349 assists (621 points) in 669 games. The 27-year-old signs with his childhood team, joining one of the best, young teams in the NHL. Tavares, Auston Matthews and Nazem Kadri is as formidable of a trio down the middle as you will find across the league. Over the last four seasons, Tavares is sixth in the NHL in points (306), tied for sixth in goals (136) and 22nd in assists (170). His cap-hit is now tied with Drew Doughty for the second highest in the NHL.

Benning is coming off of the best season of his young career, having scored is goals with 15 assists (21 points) in 73 games. The 24-year-old posted one of the best CorsiFor% (51.2) ratings among Oilers’ defensemen and graded out as the No.47 right-handed defenseman in the NHL according to Corsica Player Rankings—not bad for a third-pairing D-man.

Domi was acquired from the Coyotes in a straight-up trade for Alex Galchenyuk. Domi was selected No.12 overall in 2013 and has yet to fully live up to expectations after a great rookie season—18 goals and 34 assists in 81 games. Since then he has scored just 18 goals with 65 assists (83 points) in 141 games. Domi brings some physicality along with great playmaking ability to the left-side of the Canadiens’ lineup, where he figures to slot in behind Max Pacioretty.

Muzzin, who missed the final five games of the regular season was on the ice for Monday’s practice in a no-contact sweater and is a big question mark for Game 1. Muzzin is the Kings’ clear No.2 defenseman behind Drew Doughty and his availability during the first round will be crucial to the Kings’ success.

Roy, 21, was a fourth round pick (No.96 overall) in 2015 and has picked up 37 points (10G / 27A) in 68 games with the Checkers this season. Roy will make his debut on the fourth line with Joakim Nordstrom and Valentic Zykov.

Mermis, 24, has two goals and 17 assists (19 points) in 57 games with the Roadrunners this season. He returns to the NHL, where he failed to record a point in seven games with the Coyotes earlier this season.

Carlo suffered what appeared to be a very serious leg/knee injury in the Bruins win over the Panthers on Saturday, so it is not surprising that he stayed back in Boston. Carlo will undergo some tests before the Bruins reveal a diagnosis and timetable, but it looks like Carlo's season is over.

Boyd has been sent down because the Capitals have signed Shane Gersich and he will join the team on the road. Boyd had one assist in seven games with the Capitals but returns to Hershey where he has 15 goals and 29 assists (44 points) in 56 games.

Matthews has been out since February 22nd but will return Thursday in Nashville. Matthews has had a strong season and the Maple Leafs did well without him. The 20-year-old has registered 28 goals and 22 assists (50 points) in 53 games this season.

Benning is battling a sickness so he will come out of the lineup vs. the Sharks. Oscar Klefbom (shoulder), who has missed the last two games, will replace him.

Jarnkrok came out of the Predators lineup on Saturday, but will draw back in for Scott Hartnell on Tuesday. Jarnkrok has picked up 16 goals and 19 assists (35 points) in 67 games this season.

Matthews was once again on the ice on Monday, but he has already been ruled out for Wednesday’s game vs. Dallas. However, head coach Mike Babcock said that he could “become an option to get back in at some point after that.” If he isn’t playing Wednesday vs. the Stars it seems unlikely that he will play in Buffalo on Thursday, but Saturday’s game vs. Montreal seems like a possibility.

Matthews will miss his sixth straight game with an upper-body injury despite practicing throughout the week. His next chance to return is Wednesday vs. the Stars or Thursday in Buffalo.