Spezza was a healthy scratch for the first two games of the series but will replace Wayne Simmonds on the Maple Leafs' fourth line in Game 3. Spezza was solid for the Maple Leafs in the 2021 playoffs, scoring three goals with two assists (five points) in seven games.

Spezza and Wayne Simmonds were the latest to be added to the COVID-19 protocol list, joining Alexander Kerfoot and John Tavares. Tonight they are scheduled to play in Vancouver, where the Canucks are currently missing five players due to protocol.

Spezza has sat out the last five games but is now eligible to return to the lineup on Saturday.

Spezza has played in the first seven games of the season and even recorded an assist in each of his last two games but will be scratched on Tuesday. With Spezza sitting, Travis Boyd will make his Maple Leafs debut on Tuesday.

Spezza signed a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs prior to last season and registered 25 points (9G / 16A) in 58 games. That makes it three straight seasons where Spezza has failed to top 10 goals or 30 points. The 37-year-old will remain as a bottom-6 forward with limited usage in 2021.

Spezza was a healthy scratch on Saturday but will replace Nic Petan in the lineup in Philadelphia. Spezza has elevated the Maple Leafs' third line in recent action, posting two goals four assists (six points) in his last six games.

Even with Spezza on a three-game point streak and posting two goals and four assists in his last six games, Spezza will sit in the second-game of a back-to-back. Getting Alexander Kerfoot back from suspension likely made Sheldon Keefe's decision a little easier.

Spezza has played in the last two games but will be scratched in the second game of a back-to-back. Nic Petan will draw back into the lineup to replace Spezza and Frederik Gauthier will be elevated to the third-line centre role.

Toronto continues to rotate Spezza and Nick Shore, with Spezza, set to centre the fourth line vs. the Blues. Spezza had two shots in 10:36 TOI in his Maple Leafs debut in Columbus last Friday.

Spezza had two shots on goal in 10:36 TOI in his Maple Leafs debut on Saturday. The fourth line rotation will continue vs. the Canadiens, with Nick Shore replacing Spezza.

Spezza signed a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs this summer and it looks like he will sit for Game 1 of 82. Nick Shore is expected to take his projected spot on the fourth-line and Trevor Moore will replace him on their second power-play unit.

Spezza has missed the last two games with strep throat but he will be back in the lineup on Saturday. Spezza has five goals and 13 assists (18 points) in 33 games this season.

Spezza skated on Thursday morning but won’t play after losing eight pounds due to illness. Dennis Gurianov will remain in the Stars top-6 with Spezza out.

Spezza missed the Stars morning skate and will not play on Tuesday because of strep throat. Spezza has actually enjoyed a bit of a resurgence this season, picking up 18 points (5G / 13A) in 33 games. Devin Shore will centre the second line with Spezza out.