Travis Dermott is cleared to return to the lineup

Travis Dermott said today that he is medically cleared to return to the Maple Leafs.

Travis Dermott said he’s been medically cleared to return for #Leafs, ready to go whenever called upon: “I've been thinking about and dreaming about [that first game] for the last six months so it's really exciting.”

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) October 28, 2019

Mike Babcock confirmed Travis Dermott will return for #Leafs tomorrow vs Capitals

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) October 28, 2019

In order to activate Travis Dermott off of IR, the Leafs need to make a roster space on the 23-man roster. They also need enough space in the LTIR relief pool to cover his cap hit as he comes off LTIR.

The choice is between Kevin Gravel, still waiver exempt, and on the roster for only a few days since Rasmus Sandin was sent down, and Martin Marincin. The other option open is to remove the only extra forward currently, Nic Petan.

Gravel has appeared in three games, playing 10:21 per game, and Marincin in six, playing 9:55. It’s safe to say, neither player made a case for a roster spot even without Dermott in the lineup.

When the Leafs make a roster decision, we’ll update you.

Judging by the practice lines today (with Morgan Rielly taking a maintenance day and Gravel acting as a placeholder), Zach Hyman isn’t yet ready to return.

#Leafs lines at practice:

Johnsson-Matthews-Nylander
Mikheyev-Kerfoot-Marner
Moore-Spezza-Kapanen
Timashov-Shore-Gauthier
Hyman, Petan

Gravel-Ceci
Muzzin-Barrie
Dermott-Holl

Andersen
Hutchinson

Regular spot for Dermott. Looks like he could be ready to get back in the lineup.

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) October 28, 2019

In other news, John Tavares, who has been out almost two weeks is progressing:

John Tavares says he’s coming along. Shot pucks for the first time since the injury today. Still no firm timeline, he says, but it’s coming along. No setbacks so far.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 28, 2019