Sheldon Keefe makes cryptic roster announcement leaving fans wondering what's next

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Josh tupper
January 13, 2024 (12:02)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have yet to lose in regulation in the calendar year of 2024. The Leafs currently have a record or 4-0-1 after an overtime loss to the New York Islanders. Tonight the Maple Leafs face off against the visiting Colorado Avalanche.

After early struggles this season in goal, Martin Jones has managed to secure the net for at least the time being. Earlier this week the Maple Leafs recalled Ilya Samsonov from the Toronto Marlies. The Leafs next game is tomorrow against the Detroit Red Wings and many expected for Samsonov to be in goal tomorrow night.

That however, might not be the case.

At today's morning skate Martin Jones was the first goaltender off of the ice. This is typical of the goalie who will start tonight's game. Shortly after practice concluded Keefe confirmed Jones as the starter. It is the comment he made after that has left fans wondering about what the game plan is for tomorrow's game.

Sheldon Keefe says Martin Jones will not play tomorrow after playing today. No indiciation from the coach who that will be. «We'll get through today.»

Rather than simply confirming Samsonov as the starter, Keefe has instead thrown an element of mystery into things. It is very possible the Maple Leafs could recall Dennis Hildeby from the Toronto Marlies to make the start tomorrow. Hildeby posted a shut out last night in an 8-0 victory against the Belleville Senators.

The Leafs could also decide to start Samsonov and see whether or not his mental reset was enough to get the goaltender back on track. Either way Leafs fans likely won't find out the answer until close to game time tomorrow.