Jake McCabe will play in Game 1, status of Oliver Ekman-Larsson to be determined

The blueliner was seen skating alongside his usual partner in Chris Tanev during Saturday’s practice, with his availability to begin the series confirmed by head coach Craig Berube after practice. When asked how he was feeling about getting back into the mix, McCabe told reporters that he is ‘pumped, ready to rock.’

The 31-year-old has been out of the lineup since April 2nd after suffering an upper-body injury. He was originally expected to return before the end of the regular season but was held out in favour of Dakota Mermis, who appeared in the final three games. McCabe finished the season with 23 points (two goals and 21 assists) along with 118 hits and 135 blocks in 66 games played.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson was seen skating alongside Simon Benoit during practice, though it sounds like there are some doubts that he will be ready to go for Game 1. Berube initially expressed confidence that the Swedish blueliner would be back in the fold, but has since changed his stance so we won’t get clarity on what has been decided until closer to puck drop.

Ekman-Larsson has been out of the lineup since April 9th and was originally listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He ended up playing in 77 games for the Leafs, where he recorded 29 points (four goals and 25 assists), 108 hits, and 83 blocks. Assuming he won’t be ready for Game 1, you can expect Philippe Myers to slot in as a replacement.

Berube also noted that David Kampf and Max Pacioretty are fully healthy and eager to return to the mix, though it appears that both won’t be in the lineup for Game 1 because they were skating alongside Ryan Reaves as the fifth line. Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg will instead slot in to begin the series on the third line with Bobby McMann rounding things out.