Description: Toronto defenseman Cody Franson notched two goals Monday in a Game 7 loss to Boston.
Insight: What a crushing defeat for the Maple Leafs, who were ahead 4-1 with just over 11 minutes to play. For what it's worth, Franson had an excellent series (three goals, three assists, 15 shots on goal).
Description: Toronto goalie James Reimer has been under fire often in the Maple Leafs' first-round series against Boston. He has made 75 saves on 81 shots in two games.
Insight: Reimer, who went 19-8-5 with a 2.46 GAA, a .924 SV% and four shutouts in the regular season, helped Toronto tie the series with a 4-2 win Saturday night.
Description: Toronto backup goaltender Ben Scrivens is questionable for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Saturday against Boston while attending his grandfather's funeral.
Insight: Scrivens posted a 7-9-0 record with a solid 2.69 GAA and a .915 SV% this season as backup to James Reimer.
Description: Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Kostka will miss Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Saturday against Boston with a broken right index finger.
Insight: Kostka doesn't give fantasy owners much offense (eight points in 35 games) and a negative rating makes him a bench player at best.
Description: Toronto right wing Phil Kessel knocked in two goals Thursday night against Florida.
Insight: Kessel is sixth in the league in scoring with 51 points in 47 games. With just one game left on the Leafs' schedule, he won't be able to catch Martin St. Louis for the scoring title (58 points for Tampa Bay).
Description: Toronto forward Joffrey Lupul scored his 11th goal of the season Wednesday against the Lightning.
Insight: We're left to wonder what could have been for Lupul this season if he hadn't missed 32 games this season due to a fractured forearm and a concussion. He'll take a total of 17 points in 14 games into the final two games of the regular season.
Description: Maple Leafs netminder James Reimer had a brilliant night in the crease Saturday against Ottawa, saving 49 of 50 shots in a 4-1 win.
Insight: Reimer had a shutout against the Devils on April 15, but he followed that up by allowing five goals to the Islanders in his last start. Saturday's start should appease fantasy owners, but we'd like to see more consistency in his final few outings.
Description: Toronto forward Joffrey Lupul (concussion) is expected to return to action Tuesday night. He's starting on a line with Nazem Kadri and Nikolai Kulemin, according to Mark Masters of TSN.
Insight: Lupul hasn't played since April 4, but the team didn't admit that he suffered a concussion until Friday. Lupul also missed two months this season with a fractured arm. He has a seven-game scoring streak.
Description: Toronto forward Joffrey Lupul (concussion) is "very close" to returning, according to coach Randy Carlyle. SOURCE: James Mirtle, TSN 1050 Radio
Insight: Lupul hasn't played since April 4, but the team didn't admit that he suffered a concussion until Friday. Lupul also missed two months this season with a fractured arm.
Description: The Maple Leafs finally have admitted that forward Joffrey Lupul suffered a concussion on April 4 against the Flyers, according to Jonas Siegel of TSN.ca.
Insight: Lupul took a sandwich hit between Adam Hall and Jay Rosehill in that game and hasn't played since, but the team has been calling it an upper-body injury. He also missed two months this season with a fractured arm.
Description: Leafs right wing Phil Kessel contributed a pair of goals Wednesday in a shootout loss to New York.
Insight: Surprisingly, Kessel didn't participate in the shootout as head coach Randy Carlyle instead went with the trio of Tyler Bozak, Nazem Kadri and Mikhail Grabovski. None of them scored. Kessel now has four goals in his last two games. That gives him 14 goals for the year.
Description: Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul (upper body) did not travel with the team to New York for Wednesday's game, according to Chris Johnston of the NHL Network.
Insight: Lupul took a sandwich hit between Adam Hall and Jay Rosehill last Thursday and hasn't played since. He missed nearly two months this season with a fractured arm but has delivered eight goals and 14 points in 10 games.
Description: Right wing Phil Kessel led the Maple Leafs with two goals and an assist Monday against the Rangers.
Insight: That snaps a nine-game scoring drought for Kessel. Breakout star Nazem Kadri has taken over as the team's primary scorer but Kessel is still leading the team in assists (26 in 39 games).
Description: Maple Leafs left wing Clarke MacArthur is questionable for Saturday's game against New Jersey with an upper body injury.
Insight: Clarke has 17 points (7G, 10 A) in 30 games this season, but just two assists in his last seven games. Fantasy owners were hoping for a double-digit goal scorer from him, but that is going to be tough to achieve from the sidelines.
Description: Maple Leafs winger Frazer McLaren is questionable for Saturday's game against New Jersey due to flu-like symptoms.
Insight: McLaren can't help your fantasy team with scoring (five points in 28 games), but he's posted 63 penalty minutes if you need help in that category.
Description: Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul left Thursday's game against the Flyers in the first period with an upper body injury and is doubtful for Saturday's game against New Jersey .
Insight: Lupul took a sandwich hit between Adam Hall and Jay Rosehill. He missed nearly two months this season with a fractured arm but has delivered eight goals and 14 points in 10 games.
Description: Toronto forward James van Riemsdyk scored his first goal since March 9 Thursday against the Flyers.
Insight: JVR has gone cold recently and was bumped off the top line by Joffrey Lupul, but Lupul was knocked out of the game after taking a big hit on Thursday.
Description: Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul left Thursday's game against the Flyers in the first period with an upper body injury.
Insight: Lupul took a sandwich hit from Adam Hall and Jay Rosehill. He missed nearly two months this season with a fractured arm but has delivered eight goals and 14 points in seven games since returning.
Description: Montreal winger Colby Armstrong did not travel with the team to Philadelphia and will miss Wednesday's game.
Insight: Armstrong took a hit from Patrick Dwyer and has a lower body injury. With just five points in 35 games, Armstrong doesn't have fantasy value even when healthy.
Description: Leafs center Nazem Kadri captured his second hat trick of the season Saturday in a win at Ottawa.
Insight: Kadri has gone from an unknown to a legitimate superstar in a span of two months. He's sixth in the NHL in scoring with 39 points in 36 games.
Description: Maple Leafs left wing Clarke MacArthur is questionable for Saturday's game against Ottawa with an upper body injury.
Insight: Clarke has 17 points (7G, 10 A) in 30 games this season, but just two assists in his last seven games. Fantasy owners were hoping for a double-digit goal scorer from him, but that is going to be tough to achieve from the sidelines.
Description: Leafs blueliner Dion Phaneuf led the way with three points Thursday in a win over Carolina (one goal, two assists).
Insight: He also collected a +3 rating in just under 25 minutes of ice time. Phanuef is now tied with Winnipeg's Dustin Byfuglien for seventh among NHL defenseman in scoring (21 points in 35 games).
Description: The Maple Leafs will turn to James Reimer to start in net against the Hurricanes on Thursday.
Insight: Reimer had a 3.31 GAA in six appearances from March 6-21 but he has rebounded with two strong performances, both against Boston (1-0-1, 1.92 GAA).
Description: Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf had a goal and three SOG Tuesday against the Panthers.
Insight: Phaneuf is a former 60-point player but he hasn't reached those heights since 2007-08. These days, he's a 0.55 ppg player at best but that's still solid from the blue line as long as you can take the hit that comes with a minus-9.
Description: Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul had two more goals Tuesday versus Florida, giving him six in four games since returning from a fractured arm.
Insight: Lupul was suspended for two games last week for an illegal check but otherwise has been a tremendous fantasy option for those who held onto him during the injury. Lupul skated more with Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak, who each had two assists, which doesn't bode well for the fantasy value of James van Riemsdyk.
Description: Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul has served his two-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman Wednesday night.
Insight: Lupul has spent most of the season watching from the sidelines (broken forearm, suspension), but does have three goals in five games. Make sure he's in your lineup.
Description: Maple Leafs center Tyler Bozak has a goal in three of his last four games.
Insight: Bozak scored his ninth goal of the season Thursday. The team's top-line center has not been a game-to-game scoring threat in his four-year career and is a mediocre fantasy option.
Description: Toronto center Nazem Kadri had his second straight three-point game Thursday against the Sabres with two goals and one assist.
Insight: Kadri had three assists one night ago after posting two helpers Saturday. The 22-year-old has experienced a breakout with 13 goals and 32 points in 31 games.
Description: Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul has been suspended for two games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman Wednesday night. SOURCE: NHL.com
Insight: Lupul left his feet and delivered a shoulder to the head of Hedman in the third period Wednesday but he was only given a two-minute minor penalty. He has three goals and an assist in two games since returning from a fractured forearm.
Description: Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul could face discipline for his hit on Lightning defenseman Viktor Hedman last night.
Insight: Lupul was only given a two minute minor for the offense so we're not anticipating a lengthy suspension. The Toronto forward will probably just have to pay a fine. Lupul has played well since his return from a forearm injury, knocking in three goals in his last two games.
Description: Toronto center Nazem Kadri dished out three assists Wednesday in a 4-1 win over Tampa Bay.
Insight: He finished the night with a +3 rating in almost 16 minutes of ice time. Kadri hasn't been scoring lately (no goals in his last five games) but he's done a nice job distributing the puck. Over his last two games, Kadri has racked up five assists.
Description: Toronto netminder James Reimer will try to turn his recent cold streak around Wednesday when he makes his first start since March 12.
Insight: Reimer has allowed four goals in four of his last five starts and the team has turned to Ben Scrivens to start the last two games. Reimer did blank Winnipeg over 25 minutes Saturday in relief of Scrivens but neither player looks like a good option right now.
Description: Joffrey Lupul's return was a good one. Playing in his first game since suffering a forearm injury back in January, the Toronto right wing scored two goals while taking five shots on goal.
Insight: Lupul also had four penalty minutes. Fantasy owners must be thrilled to see Lupul back in the fold. The 29-year-old averaged more than a point per game during the 2011-12 campaign (67 points in 66 games).
Description: Maple Leafs winger Joffrey Lupul (fractured forearm) is set to return Saturday against Winnipeg after missing 25 games with a fractured right forearm. SOURCE: ESPN
Insight: Lupul skated on a line with Nazem Kadri and Nik Kulemin at practice Friday, but it's unclear how Toronto will handle its top six with Lupul back in the lineup. Lupul skated with Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak last season but James van Riemsdyk has flourished in that spot this season.
Description: Maple Leafs winger Joffrey Lupul (fractured forearm) says he is "ready to go when I get the green light," according to TorontoSun.com. The forward practiced Wednesday, seven weeks after he suffered a broken forearum when he was hit by a Dion Phaneuf slapshot.
Insight: Lupul admitted the decision to return is not his to make. He suffered the injury several days after signing a five-year contract extension which came after a career-high 67-point season over 66 in 2011-12. His return could bump James van Riemsdyk off the talented top line of Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak, but JVR could slot in on the hot line of Nazem Kadri and Clarke Macarthur.
Description: Toronto netminder James Reimer has allowed four goals in his last three starts and was pulled out of Tuesday's game after 51 minutes. Ben Scrivens will get the start Thursday against Pittsburgh.
Insight: Reimer allowed four goals in 65 minutes and lost in a shootout to Pittsburgh last Saturday so we'll see if Scrivens fares any better. Scrivens hasn't played much better lately -- he has a 4.22 GAA over his last three appearances.
Description: Maple Leafs blueliner Dion Phaneuf had a trio of assists Saturday versus Pittsburgh. He has five helpers over his last three games.
Insight: Phaneuf is a former 60-point player but he hasn't reached those heights since 2007-08. These days, he's a 0.55 ppg player at best but that's still solid from the blue line as long as you can take the hit that comes with a minus-10.
Description: Maple Leafs left wing Clarke MacArthur has 12 points over his last 11 games. Clarke had a goal and an assist Saturday versus the Penguins.
Insight: Clarke's line with Nazem Kadri has just gone off over the last month. The winger only had three points in his first 12 games this season.
Description: Hurricanes center Tim Brent was activated from injured reserve and is probable for Saturday's game against New Jersey.
Insight: Brent posted 24 points last season (12 G, 12 A), but is off to a slow start in 2013 with just two assists in 13 games. It's going to be tough to produce while seeing less than 10 minutes of ice time, which is what he's averaging this season, so fantasy owners should look elsewhere.
Description: Maple Leafs winger Phil Kessel had a goal and two assists with five SOG Wednesday against the Senators.
Insight: Kessel has scored a goal in two straight games but still has just six on the season despite taking 88 SOG. He's on a pace of 20 goals per 82 games, well behind the 37 he scored last season.
Description: Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri had the game-winning goal Wednesday against the Senators.
Insight: It didn't look like much at the time, as Kadri's unassisted goal 10:18 into the third period put Toronto up 5-2 but Ottawa scored two late goals. Kadri has scored five goals with 10 points over his last six games.
Description: Toronto netminder James Reimer will start Wednesday's game against Ottawa.
Insight: Reimer has won both of his starts since returning from a knee injury and five straight overall. He should get the lion's share of the starts going forward, with Ben Scrivens backing up.
Description: Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matt Frattin, who hasn't played since Feb. 11 due to a knee injury, could make his return Wednesday against Ottawa.
Insight: Frattin has been practicing with full contact. He was off to a very nice start through the first 10 games, with 10 points (seven goals) on just 18 shots and should be back in fantasy lineups as soon as you hear that he's going to be active.
Description: Maple Leafs left wing Clarke MacArthur tallied two points (one goal, one assist) Monday in a win over the Devils.
Insight: Clarke has been phenomenal recently. He carries a five-game points streak and is +8 in his last four contests. Amazingly, he's only owned in 17.2 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. That number is sure to rise if MacArthur continues to play like he did Monday.
Description: Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri followed up his first career hat trick with a goal and an assist Monday in a win over New Jersey.
Insight: Kadri has four goals and five assists in his last five outings. Over that span, he's compiled a stunning +7 rating. It looks like this talented 22-year-old has a bright future ahead of him.
Description: Toronto center Nazem Kadri recorded his first career hat trick Thursday in a win over the Islanders.
Insight: Kadri (eight goals, 13 assists this season) boosted his plus/minus rating to +11 in the win. That ties him with Chris Kunitz, Patrick Elias and three others for eighth in the NHL. Kadri's excellent play this season is a big reason why the Maple Leafs have gotten off to such a strong start (13-9 through 22 games).
Description: Montreal touched up Toronto goaltender Ben Scrivens for five goals on 40 shots Wednesday night.
Insight: Scrivens played extremely well while James Reimer was out of the lineup but Reimer was just activated from injured reserve and will probably take over primary goaltending duties.
Description: Toronto netminder James Reimer (sprained MCL) has been activated from injured reserve and is expected to backup Ben Scrivens on Wednesday. SOURCE: Sportsnet.ca
Insight: Ben Scrivens has gone 4-3 with a 1.93 GAA and two shutouts in seven starts since Reimer went down but we expect Reimer (6-3, 2.31 GAA, .929 SV%) to reclaim primary goaltending duties.
Description: Toronto Maple Leafs winger/enforcer Mike Brown is questionable for Wednesday's game against Montreal. He's been dealing with a lower body injury and missed Tuesday's practice.
Insight: Having an enforcer on your fantasy roster is ok for penalty minutes and Brown is a contributor there with an average of 98 penalty minutes per season, but he's still got to produce a little scoring and Brown has yet to post a point this season in 11 games. Look elsewhere for assistance.
Description: Toronto defenseman Colton Orr will miss Monday's game against Philadelphia with a lower body injury.
Insight: If you need scoring, look elsewhere, but if penalty minutes are your focus then Orr is your man. He's got 55 minutes already this season and has averaged 179 penalty minutes over the past four seasons.
Description: Toronto netminder James Reimer (sprained MCL) is "getting very close" to making his return, according to Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle. SOURCE: Jonas Siegel, TSN
Insight: Ben Scrivens has gone 3-3 with a 1.91 GAA and two shutouts in six starts since Reimer went down but we expect Reimer (6-3, 2.31 GAA, .929 SV%) to reclaim primary goaltending duties when he gets returns to action.
Description: Toronto defenseman Colton Orr is questionable for Saturday's game against Ottawa with a lower body injry.
Insight: If you need scoring, look elsewhere, but if penalty minutes are your goal then Orr is your man. He's got 55 minutes already this season and has averaged 179 penalty minutes over the past four seasons.
Description: Toronto goaltender Ben Scrivens bounced back from a rough start Tuesday by holding Buffalo to one goal on 32 shots Thursday night.
Insight: Scrivens allowed four goals on 13 shots in 47 minutes against Tampa Bay Tuesday but he was playing a back-to-back and his third game in four days. The two games before Tuesday were both shutouts. Scrivens has at least earned an even split with James Reimer when Reimer returns from his injury.
Description: Toronto forward James van Riemsdyk connected on two of his six SOG Thursday against the Sabres, giving him 11 goals on the season.
Insight: That puts JVR within one of the NHL lead held by Thomas Vanek and James Neal. The Maple Leafs forward has attempted 4.25 SOG per game over his last 12 games.
Description: After two straight shutouts, Toronto goaltender Ben Scrivens got a reality check Tuesday against the Lightning. He gave up four goals on 13 shots in 47 minutes and was pulled for Jussi Rynnas.
Insight: Scrivens was playing his third game in four nights and facing a much tougher opponent than the last two games. He will likely go back to splitting starts when James Reimer returns from a knee injury.
Description: Toronto goaltender Ben Scrivens will take the ice Tuesday against Tampa Bay coming off two straight shutouts.
Insight: Scrivens beat Ottawa Saturday and Florida Monday but the Lightning present a greater challenge Tuesday. Still, you have to roll with the red hot netminder.
Description: Hurricanes center Tim Brent is questionable for Thursday's game against Winnipeg due to a lower body injury.
Insight: Brent posted 24 points last season (12 G, 12 A), but is off to a slow start in 2013 with just two assists in 13 games. It's going to be tough to produce while seeing less than 10 minutes of ice time, which is what he's averaging this season, so fantasy owners should look elsewhere.
Description: Left wing Clarke MacArthur guided the Maple Leafs to a 3-0 win against the Panthers on Monday by tallying a goal and an assist.
Insight: Maybe this is the spark that finally gets MacArthur going. We had high expectations for the 27-year-old heading into the season but so far he's produced just five points in his first 13 games.
Description: Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri picked up a goal and an assist Monday in a win over Florida.
Insight: Kadri already has five goals in 2013, which is the same number he had all of last season. Look for the 22-year-old to keep up the good work as the season rolls on.
Description: Make it two shutouts in a row for Ben Scrivens. The Toronto goaltender stopped all 37 shots Monday in a 3-0 win over Florida.
Insight: Scrivens is playing some of the best hockey of his career right now and fantasy owners are starting to take notice. The 26-year-old has been added in 45.7 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues in the last week.
Description: Maple Leafs goalie Ben Scrivens recorded his first career shutout Saturday against Ottawa.
Insight: James Reiner's knee injury has allowed Scrivens to start Toronto's last two games. We're guessing Scrivens (34 saves) will be starting again Monday night at Florida.
Description: Toronto Maple Leafs winger/enforcer Mike Brown is probable for Saturday's game against Ottawa. He's been dealing with a shoulder injury.
Insight: Having an enforcer on your fantasy roster is ok for penalty minutes and Brown is a contributor there with an average of 98 penalty minutes per season, but he's still got to produce a little scoring and Brown has yet to post a point this season in five games. Look elsewhere for assistance.
Description: Maple Leafs winger Matt Frattin will miss at least a week due to a knee injury. SOURCE: Jonas Siegel, TSN 1050
Insight: Frattin has a flare-up of an MCL issue that will require a procedure. He's off the a nice start through the first 10 games, scoring seven goals on just 18 shots.
Description: Toronto netminder James Reimer suffered a left knee injury Monday night against Philadelphia and is doubtful for Thursday's game against Carolina.
Insight: Ben Scrivens (2-2, 2.56 GAA) will see most of the time between the pipes for the Leafs until Reimer returns which shouldn't be too long as it appears the injury was not as serious as first thought.
Description: Toronto netminder James Reimer suffered a knee injury Monday night against Philadelphia and had to come out of the game.
Insight: Ben Scrivens has come on in relief of Reimer, who turned away 12 of the 13 shots he faced. Scrivens (2-2, 2.70 GAA) will see most of the time between the pipes for the Leafs if Reimer's injury ends up being serious.
Description: Maple Leafs center Tyler Bozak has scored a goal in two straight games.
Insight: Bozak has four goals and eight points through 11 games. He's a low-level fantasy option since he doesn't shoot much or get many penalty minutes.
Description: Toronto forward James van Riemsdyk had a goal and an assist Saturday night against Montreal.
Insight: JVR has seven goals and two assists in 12 games, and he has attempted 41 shots on net. He's skating on the top line with Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak and getting heavy power-play time. Snap him up if he's still available in your league.
Description: Teammate Phil Kessel must have been envious of Matt Frattin prior to scoring his first goal Thursday. Frattin has six goals despite taking just 14 shots in eight games.
Insight: Frattin is skating on the team's second line so he has had better chances to contribute than last season, when he put up 15 points with 92 shots in 56 games. But a lack of power-play time will likely hold his fantasy value back in the long run.
Description: The drought is over for Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel. Eleven games and 46 shots into th season, he finally scored his first goal, a game-winner on the power play 15:52 into the third period Thursday night against the Jets.
Insight: Kessel has been bombarding the net like he usually does; it was only a matter of time before one went in. Hopefully the floodgates will open now for the winger.
Description: Toronto goaltender James Reimer will be back in net Thursday after getting a break Tuesday.
Insight: Ben Scrivens has played well in three of four starts but letting in five goals on Jan. 24 against the Islanders seems to have opened the door for Reimer. Thursday will be Reimer's sixth start in seven games since that Islanders game.
Description: Still no goals for Phil Kessel, but that doesn't mean he can't help out his teammates (and fantasy owners). The Toronto right wing had two assists with two SOG, two PIM and a plus-3 rating Tuesday versus Washington.
Insight: Kessel has launched 42 SOG in 10 games with nothing to show for it but he does have six assists. Keep rolling with him; the goals will come.
Description: Toronto forward James van Riemsdyk tallied two goals on five shots Tuesday against the Capitals.
Insight: JVR has had great success in his first 10 games with the Maple Leafs, scoring six goals on 34 shots with one assist. He has gotten off 20 shots on goal over his last four games.
Description: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Carl Gunnarson is expected to miss Tuesday's game against Washington. He's dealing with a groin/hip issue that has kept him out of the last two games.
Insight: Gunnarsson scored 20 points (4 G, 15 A) in 76 games last season with the Leafs. He has a goal and two assists in seven games this year.
Description: Toronto forward Clarke MacArthur has missed three consecutive games and is questionable for Monday's game against Carolina with a lacerated finger.
Insight: MacArthur has a goal and two assists in five games this season after posting 20 goals and 23 assists in 73 games last year. He has low end fantasy value when he returns to the ice.
Description: Toronto Maple Leafs winger/enforcer Mike Brown is probable for Monday's game against Carolina. He's been dealing with a shoulder injury.
Insight: Having an enforcer on your fantasy roster is ok for penalty minutes and Brown is a contributor there with an average of 98 penalty minutes per season, but he's still got to produce a little scoring and Brown has yet to post a point this season in five games. Look elsewhere for assistance.
Description: Toronto forward Clarke MacArthur is questionable for Saturday's game against Boston with a lacerated finger. He practiced with the team on Wednesday.
Insight: MacArthur has a goal and two assists in five games this season after posting 20 goals and 23 assists in 73 games last year.
Description: Maple Leafs right wing Matt Frattin scored goals No. 2 and 3, including the game-winner in overtime, Tuesday against the Sabres.
Insight: Frattin has only played three games and attempted five shots but he already has three goals and five points. He was called up to replace the injured Joffrey Lupul after failing to make the team in training camp and should get top-six ice time going forward.
Description: Toronto forward James van Riemsdyk will skate with Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak on the team's top line Tuesday against the Sabres. SOURCE: Toronto Sun
Insight: Injuries to Joffrey Lupul (forearm) and Clarke MacArthur (fingernail) have opened the door for JVR to play with Toronto's best player. The former No. 2 overall pick in the NHL Draft never lived up to expectations in Philadelphia but he already has four points with 13 shots in five games for the Maple Leafs.
Description: Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel leads the NHL with 24 shots on goal through Saturday.
Insight: Unfortunately, he still has zero goals. Kessel has always been a high-volume shooter who has 165 career goals on 1,556 shots (.106), so this is nothing new for his fantasy owners. It should only be a matter of time before he sounds the horn for the first time.
Description: Toronto forward James van Riemsdyk scored his third goal of the season Saturday against the New York Rangers.
Insight: The former No. 2 overall pick in the NHL Draft never lived up to expectations in Philadelphia but he already has four points with 13 shots in five games for the Maple Leafs.
Description: Toronto backup goaltender James Reimer will take on the Rangers Saturday.
Insight: Reimer won his only start of the season with an impressive performance against Pittsburgh. Ben Scrivens struggled Thursday against the Islanders, which should explain why Reimer is starting Saturday despite Toronto not playing a back-to-back.
Description: Toronto netminder Ben Scrivens allowed five goals on 25 shots in 44:35 Thursday against the Islanders.
Insight: Scrivens was strong in his first two starts but was likely playing above his head. He isn't a good fantasy option, and neither is backup James Reimer.
Description: Maple Leafs winger Joffrey Lupul is expected to miss at least six weeks with a fractured forearm. SOURCE: Toronto Star
Insight: Lupul was hit was a slapshot from teammate Dion Phaneuf on Wednesday. He just signed a five-year contract extension on Sunday. Lupul had a career-high 67 points (25 G, 42 A) last season.
Description: Toronto wing Nikolai Kulemin dished out three assists Wednesday in a win against Pittsburgh.
Insight: Kulemin was a big-time goal scorer a couple years ago (30 goals in 2010-11) but lately it seems like he's been more interested in distributing than looking for his own shot. He's on pace to attempt just 64 shots on goal this season.
Description: In his first action since March 23, Toronto backup goalie James Reimer beat Pittsburgh with 28 saves on 30 shots in 60 minutes.
Insight: Reimer didn't play during the lockout and sat the first two games. Starter Ben Scrivens has only surrendered three goals on 42 shots in the first two games (1-1) so Reimer likely won't get enough starts to factor into fantasy lineups.
Description: Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel has 15 SOG over the first three games with nothing to show for it.
Insight: Five more shots Wednesday against Pittsburgh produced zero goals once again in a game Toronto scored five times. Fantasy owners should be used to this; Kessel has scored 99 goals the last three season but needed 917 shots to do so (.108).
Description: Toronto forward James van Riemsdyk scored two goals with one assist and had a healthy plus-two differential with two PIM and three SOG Wednesday versus the Penguins. Both goals came in the second period.
Insight: JVR didn't have a point while taking three shots in the first two games but the former No. 2 overall pick showed what he's capable of on Wednesday. The Maple Leafs have spread out their ice time pretty evenly for their top three lines so far so van Riemsdyk has seen plenty of time even as a third-liner.
Description: James Reimer will make his first start of the season in goal for the Maple Leafs on Wednesday versus Pittsburgh.
Insight: Ben Scrivens has only surrendered three goals on 42 shots in the first two games (1-1). Reimer has a tough matchup on his hands with the high-flying Penguins and should be avoided on Wednesday.
Description: Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner is active for Wednesday's game against the Penguins.
Insight: Gardiner scored 30 points last season on seven goals and 23 assists and could be a viable fantasy blueliner if he shows no ill effects from the concussion he suffered in early December.
Description: Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner is expected to be evaluated by the medical staff on Wednesday to determine if he can play against the Penguins, according to beat writer Jones Siegel. He's yet to play this season due to neck/concussion-like symptoms.
Insight: Gardiner scored 30 points last season on seven goals and 23 assists and could be a viable fantasy blueliner.
Description: Darren Dreger from TSN reports that the Maple Leafs have reached an agreement with right wing Joffrey Lupul on a five-year contract extension.
Insight: The deal is worth $26.25 million. Lupul recorded four shots on goal Saturday in Toronto's season opening win against Montreal.
Description: Bob McKenzie of TSN reports that the Maple Leafs have put center Tim Connolly on waivers.
Insight: If he ends up signing with another team it will be Connolly's third different club in the last three seasons. Connolly posted 13 goals and 23 assists in 70 games in 2011-12.
Description: Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk (foot) practiced Thursday after missing Wednesday's session with a bruised foot.
Insight: JVR scored 11 goals with 24 points in 43 games last season for the Flyers but is projected to skate on Toronto's second line which could lead to more opportunities.
Description: Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner is doubtful for Saturday's game against Montreal due to neck/concussion-like symptoms.
Insight: Leafs coach Randy Carlyle thinks he is close to returning, but with concussions it's always variable. Gardiner scored 30 points last season on seven goals and 23 assists.
Description: Toronto is expected to go with Tyler Bozak to center the team's No. 1 line with wingers Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul to start the season, provided Bozak isn't traded for Vancouver goaltender Robert Luongo. SOURCE: Toronto Star
Insight: The plan isn't permanent since the Leafs acquired former No. 2 overall pick James van Riemsdyk in the summer, but coach Randy Carlyle wants van Riemsdyk on left wing to start the season. Toronto Star reporter Bob Mitchell thinks it makes sense for Carlyle to keep the Bozak-Kessel-Lupul trio together following a short training camp to see if they can get off to a fast start.
