The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing potential lineup changes ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, with defenceman Chris Tanev possibly sidelined due to an upper-body injury. Tanev practiced on Friday but coach Craig Berube expressed doubt over his participation in Saturday's game. The atmosphere at practice was notably somber due to recent trades, including Connor Dewar and Conor Timmins being sent to Pittsburgh. Goalie Anthony Stolarz acknowledged the mixed emotions of acquiring new players while losing teammates.

In a roster shakeup, Ryan Reaves has cleared waivers and will be playing with the AHL Marlies. This decision helps free up salary cap space for the recent acquisitions of defenceman Brandon Carlo from Boston and center Scott Laughton from Philadelphia. General manager Brad Treliving called the conversation with Reaves about waivers challenging, but emphasized that it isn’t a permanent goodbye as they hope to bring him back for the playoffs.