Canadiens @ Maple Leafs: Game thread, rosters, lines, and how to watch

The Montreal Canadiens travel to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs tonight. It will be their second game away from the Bell Centre this pre-season, but the first in which they won’t be granted the last change.

With training camp beginning for the Laval Rocket, most of the waiver-exempt players are now battling for AHL spots, leaving the more veteran players to battle for any remaining spots on the Canadiens roster. Tonight will see the return of Artturi Lehkonen, Charles Hudon, and many of the players left on the sidelines for Saturday’s comeback win over the Ottawa Senators.

It seems the Leafs have decided to use this evening’s game as their first AHL exhibition match, dressing many of the players who will eventually make their way to the Marlies, and very few who will be on the opening-night roster just over a week from now.

It does set up the potential for a nearly full lineup when the Leafs travel to Montreal in two days’ time. For now, fans in Toronto will have to settle for a preview of the team that will attempt to defend the Calder Cup, while the Canadiens on the bubble for spots will have to ensure they don’t take this competition lightly.

Puck drop is at 7:30 PM EDT / 4:30 PM PDT

How to watch

In the Canadiens region: TSN2, TSN Direct (English) RDS, RDS Direct (French)
In the Leafs region: TSN4, TSN Direct (English)
Elsewhere: NHL.tv/Rogers NHL Live

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Forwards

Defencemen

Goaltenders

Toronto Maple Leafs projected lineup

Forwards

Defencemen

Goaltenders