Maple Leafs Dress Seven Defencemen Against Avalanche in Denver

The Toronto Maple Leafs dressed seven defensemen and 11 forwards against the Colorado Avalanche in Denver as Nick Blankenburg made his team debut against his former club. Coach Jim Hiller adjusted the lineup to add defensive depth while managing a shortened forward group.

According to Sportsnet, Blankenburg was expected to enter the lineup without removing another defenseman. Toronto had other options available after center John Tavares left the road trip early following the birth of his fourth child, Tucker.

Blankenburg joined Toronto training camp on a tryout and earned a one-year, $1.4-million contract as the team's seventh defenseman, according to Sportsnet. He did not play in the Maple Leafs' first five games of the season.

The right-shot defenseman previously played for Colorado after being acquired from Nashville at the 2026 trade deadline. According to Sportsnet, he recorded three goals and one assist in 12 regular-season games and five playoff appearances for the Avalanche.

Hiller said Blankenburg had waited for his opportunity and was prepared for the matchup against his former team.

"He’s been patient. He’s excited. He’s unfortunately had to play this role before, where he’s had to wait at the start of the season.

But when he's got in, he's played well. It's his old team, so probably a little extra exciting for him tonight." said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs head coach.

The coach also explained that using seven defensemen could provide more flexibility against Colorado, with extra opportunities for players who normally receive fewer minutes.

"You’re gonna keep track of the line combinations tonight. That’ll be fun for someone." said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs head coach.

Hiller noted that the shortened forward group could allow him to adjust ice time during the game based on player performance.

"Just can mix more guys around. If somebody's having a good night, I can find a little bit more ice time for him, beyond some of the guys that play most of the minutes. So, it's nice to get somebody else who typically doesn't play as much more minutes." said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs head coach.

The coach added that defensemen generally prefer a traditional setup because seven players on the blue line can affect rhythm and pairings.

"Defence would tell you they don’t really like seven. So, I don't know exactly how that's going to go, because sometimes you spread that out too much and nobody gets in a groove on the back end. So, we'll just see how it goes." said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs head coach.

Hiller also kept his starting goaltender decision private before warmups, marking the first time during his Maple Leafs tenure that he did not announce the starter beforehand.

"I gave you so much information. I’m gonna have to let you wait on this one. You guys think I'm just an open book? You got everything." said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs head coach.

Hiller maintained that he would not reveal the goaltender choice before the game.

"That one you're gonna have to wait on. I want to keep that one to myself." said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs head coach.

Sportsnet Stats reported that Toronto had not dressed seven defensemen since Dec. 12, 2023, when the Maple Leafs recorded a 7-3 win over the New York Rangers.