Despite their current LTIR situation complicating matters, it appears the Leafs have found a way to rest one of their top players tonight, as Marner will sit out in preparation for the playoffs and Adam Brooks will draw back in.
This was the only possible move the Leafs could make tonight given their cap complications. Marner has certainly earned the rest, appearing in all 55 games, playing a massive all-situations role for Toronto, and leading all NHL forwards with an average 22:26 TOI/game.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Keefe carefully managed the minutes of his other top players the team isn’t able to rest, which could mean Brooks, Pierre Engvall, or Alex Galchenyuk receive greater ice time opportunity as Keefe finalizes who will be on the outside looking in come Game 1 on Thursday.