Ex-Sabres Defenseman Thriving With Maple Leafs
This former Sabre is having a solid series for the Leafs.
© Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports - Ex-Sabres Defenseman Thriving With Maple LeafsDuring the 2023 NHL Offseason, the Buffalo Sabres dealt defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to the Anaheim Ducks. The right-shot defender's tenure in Orange County was short-lived, as he played in just 55 games with the Ducks before being dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.
Since being dealt to the Leafs, Lyubushkin has become a key part of their blueline. He has been a reliable and hard-nosed defenseman that has made it difficult for Toronto's opponents. However, he has picked up his play significantly in the playoffs.
Lyubushkin, 30, has quietly been strong for the Leafs this postseason, posting three assists and a plus-5 rating in six games against the Boston Bruins. Given the fact that Lyubushkin is not known for his offense, seeing him pick up some assists has been a nice bonus for the Leafs. With that, he is still doing his job of shutting down the Bruins well.
Lyubushkin has also been making an impact with his physicality, posting 20 hits in the series. That certainly has not made things any easier for Boston's offense.
Lyubushkin and the Maple Leafs will now look to complete their comeback against the Bruins and take the series. Let's see if they do just that from here.