Maple Leafs Add Blankenburg in Seven Defenseman Lineup Against Avalanche

The Toronto Maple Leafs adjusted their lineup against the Colorado Avalanche by using 11 forwards and seven defensemen in Denver, with Nick Blankenburg making his season debut after John Tavares stayed home following the birth of his fourth child.

According to the Maple Leafs, Tavares and his wife Aryn welcomed son Tucker on Friday. The 36-year-old alternate captain had three points through five games and was given flexibility to remain with his family during Toronto's Western road trip.

Coach Jim Hiller confirmed the roster change before the game, saying the decision was largely made to create an opportunity for Blankenburg. The defenseman signed a one-year, $1.4-million deal after training camp and had been a healthy scratch through five games.

Blankenburg previously spent time with the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche after a trade last season. According to the source report, he played 12 regular-season games and five playoff contests with Colorado before becoming a free agent.

"We really wanted to get Nick in. He had a good preseason. Didn't want to keep him out too long," said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs head coach.

Hiller chose to add Blankenburg instead of inserting Zack MacEwen or Miles Wood, who was called up on Friday. The coach said Blankenburg had remained patient while waiting for an opportunity.

"He's really, he's been patient. He's excited. When he's got in, he's played well. It's a whole team, so probably a little extra exciting for him tonight," said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs head coach.

The 11-forward configuration was another adjustment Hiller had discussed previously. He said the setup allows him to move players into larger roles when needed during a game.

"I just can mix more guys around. If somebody's having a good night, I can find a little bit more ice time for them. … It's nice to get somebody else who typically doesn't play as much more minutes," said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs head coach.

Hiller also acknowledged the trade-off of using seven defensemen. Defensemen generally prefer the rhythm of playing in six-man units, and distributing minutes can make it harder for pairs to establish consistency.

The Maple Leafs changed their defensive pairings during practice at T-Mobile Arena on Friday, but Hiller said that was not the main reason for using seven defensemen against Colorado.

Hiller did not announce the starting goaltender before the game. Anthony Stolarz and Sergei Bobrovsky remained options after Bobrovsky made 40 saves in Thursday's 4-3 shootout loss in Vegas.

Toronto entered the matchup with a 2-2-1 record, while Colorado held a 3-1-0 record and averaged 5.75 goals per game. Blankenburg's return to Ball Arena marked his first appearance of the season against his former club.