Maple Leafs name Murray opening-night starter, Tavares still a possibility to play

Maple Leafs captain John Tavares says he's trending towards playing the season opener, saying chances grow with every day, he wants to be a part of it, but also understands the big picture.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will go with goaltender Matt Murray in their regular-season opener against the Montreal Canadiens.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed the news after practice Monday while adding that Ilya Samsonov will start the home opener the following night against the Washington Capitals, his former team.

Captain John Tavares is still a possibility to play against the Canadiens but if he cannot play, the team will have to start the first game of the season shorthanded. Tavares suffered an oblique injury back on Sept. 27 and was expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks.

Keefe also confirmed that Denis Malgin has made the roster over Nick Robertson to start the season skating on the second line with Tavares and William Nylander. The head coach said Robertson not requiring waivers was a factor in the decision.

Victor Mete, Kyle Clifford, Wayne Simmonds, and Adam Gaudette passed through waivers without getting claimed and were assigned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies along with Robertson, Pontus Holmberg, Filip Král and William Villeneuve.

Toronto also placed Jordie Benn (groin) and Timothy Liljegren (hernia) on long-term injured reserve while defenceman Carl Dahlström (shoulder surgery) will start the season on injured reserve.

NHL teams have until 5:00 p.m. ET Monday to set their final roster.

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