Jake Muzzin’s return means a tough lineup choice for the Maple Leafs

After missing the last month and a half with a concussion, it looks like Jake Muzzin will finally return to the Maple Leafs lineup when they take on the Florida Panthers.

Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe pretty much confirmed it during Monday’s morning skate in Tampa. 

But with Muzzin entering the lineup, there’s obviously one player who has to come out. And at this point, it’s either Justin Holl or Timothy Liljegren.

Muzzin’s eventual return will likely push TJ Brodie, who’s playing on the left side, back to the right. That, in turn, will push one of Liljegren or Holl out of a spot.

There’s two scenarios that I can go through in this article — who I think deserves to stay in the lineup versus who I think Keefe keeps in the lineup.

During Keefe’s availability on Monday morning, the Maple Leafs’ head coach discussed Toronto’s depth on defence. 

“Having the ability to have someone like Giordano down in that third pair right now, I think that’s fair to say, that’s as comfortable as we’ve been there,” said Keefe on Monday morning. 

2022 Final Four: Ochai Agbaji wins Most Outstanding Player, 

2022 Final Four: Ochai Agbaji wins Most Outstanding Player,