The Toronto Maple Leafs recalled Nikita Soshnikov from the Toronto Marlies on Tuesday morning.
For tonight’s game versus Edmonton, Paul Hendrick‘s projected lines have Seth Griffith drawing out and Soshnikov stepping in next to Ben Smith and Matt Martin on the Leafs‘ fourth line, where he’ll look to bring some energy and a little offensive touch on a line that hasn’t produced a point yet (between Martin and Smith).
It’s also been apparent that Mike Babcock is looking for a solution for the second winger spot on the Leo Komarov and Nazem Kadri line since the demotion of Milan Michalek, rotating in Connor Brown and Seth Griffith over the past three games. Soshnikov has some past experience on the line. The three played together last season for around 100 even strength minutes with good results — Soshnikov was a 53.3% CF in 125 5v5 minutes with Nazem Kadri and a 53.6% in 92 minutes with Leo Komarov. Assuming he plays there again at some point, Soshnikov could provide some pace and edginess as well as a shooter/triggerman for a line that otherwise lacks one.
He’s an exciting player for us because he stirs the other 19 guys up on your own team. Nothing wrong with having a little energy.
– Mike Babcock on Nikita Soshnikov
Soshnikov averaged three shots a game, scored twice and produced five points in an 11-game call-up last season. He seemed like a good bet for an opening-night lineup spot prior to an injury at camp. He’s look back to 100% in his past few Marlies games, according to reports, and has two points in his last three AHL outings. The Leafs were able to make space for Soshnikov on the roster yesterday by shuffling Matt Hunwick to Injured Reserve.
