Maple Leafs recall Smith, send Liles back to AHL

The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled left winger Trevor Smith from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League on Sunday. Frank Gunn/CP

The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled forward Trevor Smith from the Toronto Marlies and sent defenceman John-Michael Liles back to the American Hockey League, the team announced Friday.

Smith’s presence should aid the Leafs up front, as the team is currently thin at forward without the likes of Tyler Bozak (injured), Dave Bolland (injured) and Nazem Kadri (suspended).

The Leafs begin a home-and-home series with the Sabres starting Friday in Buffalo and Smith is expected to play on a line with Joffrey Lupul and David Clarkson.

Programming note: Watch the Toronto Maple Leafs battle the Buffalo Sabres on Sportsnet Ontario at 7 p.m. EST on Friday or listen live on Sportsnet 590 The Fan.

In nine games with the Leafs this season, Smith has one goal, while registering four goals and eight assists in seven games with the Marlies.

Liles was recalled by the Leafs on Oct. 28, but never saw any game action. In eight games with the Marlies this season, the veteran blueliner has one goal, four assists and eight penalty minutes.

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.