With 13 games remaining in the regular season and nine defensemen on their roster, the Maple Leafs’ back end will look different on a nightly basis as the team looks to keep everyone fresh.

ELMONT, N.Y. — Mark Giordano couldn’t recall the last time he was a healthy scratch in his NHL outside of the time he was scratched for trade-related reasons last season.

But he was out of the lineup on Saturday when his Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators 5-4 in a shootout.

“For me, obviously you want to play, but for the betterment of the team I think it makes sense and then just get some extra reps in during the pregame, get a workout in, and stay ready and you have to make sure you stay sharp."

Following the game Saturday, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe explained that given the team's depth on defense, they would be making sure players would be mixed in regularly to ensure everybody is fresh.

Toronto is currently carrying nine defensemen. Earlier this month, the Leafs acquired Jake McCabe from the Chicago Blackhawks, Erik Gustafsson from the Washington Capitals and Luke Schenn from the Vancouver Canucks. The added depth has allowed Keefe to try some different things but also allows him to rest regular players in exchange for capable replacements.

"We have nine guys in the lineup that should be in every night," Giordano said. "Obviously, you’re not going to dress everybody so you’ve got to get guys in and out. I talked about it with the coaches. It’s just a move to get guys in and out of the lineup and just want to dial it in as the playoffs get near."

Giordano will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the New York Islanders as the Leafs. He'll come in for TJ Brodie who is being kept out of the lineup after blocking a shot against the Senators on Friday.

Brodie categorized his absence as "maintenance" but given the Leafs are not taking any chances. With a first-round playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning virtually secured, Toronto will not take any unnecessary risks with any of its players.

"Big picture, looking at where we're at in the season it makes sense to feel 100 percent and not let things linger longer than it needs to," Brodie said. 

What about Conor Timmins?

The only exception to the rule appears to be Conor Timmins, who Keefe has described as "on the developmental path" of his career. The 24-year-old Timmins last played on Feb. 24 and must be carried on the main roster because of his waivers status.

The Leafs are not able to give Timmins a conditional stint with the Marlies, given the player had used one earlier in the season with Arizona earlier this season.

Toronto acquired Timmins from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for forward prospect Curtis Douglas. It is believed the Coyotes would have lost Timmins on waivers had they tried to send him down.

Toronto signed Timmins to a two-year, $2.2 million contract extension on Feb. 9. He has two goals and 11 assists in 22 games.

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