Timmins kicked off the preseason on fire, racking up six points in just three games, making him a top contender for a spot on opening night. However, a lower-body injury threw a wrench in the works. Now, the Leafs announced he's battling mono and is out indefinitely.
Timmins isn't a stranger to showing flashes of brilliance. Drafted 32nd overall in 2017, he's displayed slick offensive moves, strong passes, and a wicked shot. Yet his defensive game, particularly positioning and backchecking needs work. Coach Sheldon Keefe's playing time choices make that pretty clear.
With his contract running until 2024-25 and a $1.1 million price tag this season and the next, time's ticking for Timmins to prove himself. With cap space tight for the Leafs, they might not wait too long. Who knows, we might see him traded before the deadline or this summer. After all, no one wants to pay big bucks for a permanent seat in the press box as a healthy scratch right?