Leafs Notebook: The ice-time breakdown on defense, Tyler Bertuzzi heating up, and what’s the plan for the third-line left-wing spot?

When the Nylander contract is final, be sure to check back for my full thoughts on the deal. For now, let’s jump into the notes, quotes, and ‘Five Things I Think I’d Do’.

Notes

– This is the first time this season the Leafs‘ defense has been both healthy and without John Klingberg in the lineup, so we’re starting to see the minutes and deployment take shape. In the five games since Mark Giordano returned, here is the overall minutes breakdown:

– Timothy Liljegren is quietly ascending the pecking order and also has four points in the five games since Giordano’s return.