Woll starts, Ekman-Larsson out vs. Kings, Villeneuve scratched

Leafs lineup news: Woll starts, Ekman-Larsson out vs. Kings, Villeneuve scratched

Woll has posted a 15-14-6 record in 36 appearances this season, with a .904 save percentage.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is ruled out with a lower-body injury. William Villeneuve was called up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on an emergency basis, but will not play Saturday. Villeneuve has posted three goals and 28 points in 58 games for the Marlies. The 24-year-old could push for a larger role in the NHL next season, as the Maple Leafs will almost certainly look to get younger amid a retool this summer. Villeneuve could potentially make his NHL debut on Wednesday, when the Maple Leafs host the Washington Capitals.

Berube has largely elected to keep the lines intact, with John Tavares centring Easton Cowan and William Nylander on the first line. Cowan has recorded three assists in his past two games, and is thriving with greater ice-time against top competition.

Scott Laughton will face off against the Maple Leafs for the first time as a member of the Los Angeles Kings. Laughton was traded to the Kings at this year’s NHL Trade Deadline, and was a universally well-liked player among the team.

“They’ll be excited, and Scotty will be excited, too,” Berube said Friday. “He was a guy whom the guys really came to like a lot. He is that type of person in the locker room and on the ice with what he brings every night. I know he liked Toronto, too. He liked being there. I am sure they’ll get together for whatever they do: beers, or a little food, and enjoy some time together. He was a very well-liked guy, and we miss him.”

Maple Leafs’ projected lineup vs. Kings

Easton Cowan-John Tavares-William Nylander

Matthew Knies-Bo Groulx-Matias Maccelli

Dakota Joshua-Max Domi-Nick Robertson

Michael Pezzetta-Jacob Quillan-Steven Lorentz

Morgan Rielly-Philippe Myers

Jake McCabe-Brandon Carlo

Simon Benoit-Troy Stecher

Joseph Woll (confirmed starter)

Anthony Stolarz

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