Jim Hiller on Tavares’ return bumping McKenna to the Leafs’ PP2: “Gavin really becomes a focus on that second group, where the puck really runs through him… That’s a good thing, too”

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller indicated that forward John Tavares is expected to return to the lineup following Friday's practice. Tavares' return moves him back to the top power-play unit alongside Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Jack Roslovic, and Darren Raddysh, shifting rookie Gavin McKenna to the second unit. Hiller noted that the adjustment allows the offense on the second power-play unit to run primarily through McKenna.

Hiller also discussed lineup adjustments at five-on-five, projecting Tavares to skate on a line with Nick Paul and Nylander. Additionally, the head coach praised McKenna's defensive improvements without the puck and briefly recalled his experience coaching a young Carey Price during the 2003-04 season with the Tri-City Americans.