Lyubushkin brings physical presence to Toronto's top pair

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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The Maple Leafs (optional) and Carolina Hurricanes skated at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday. 

Ilya Lyubushkin was promoted to Toronto's top pair during Sunday's outdoor loss and remained beside Morgan Rielly during Tuesday's shutout win. 

"He's a big guy that plays hard," Rielly observed. "He prioritizes defence. When he’s in the d-zone being physical, he's a good presence."

It's a presence the Leafs have lacked at times in recent years. But it's unclear whether the 6-foot-2, 208-pound Lyubushkin can do enough offensively to ensure Rielly's shifts continue to produce the same chances as usual. Lyubushkin has just one assist and five shots on net in 11 games since being acquired by the Leafs in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes. 

"We've tried to work with him on that," said coach Sheldon Keefe. "On his play with the puck and different plays that are available. We do think there's a great opportunity for growth."

Lyubushkin has just one goal and 19 assists in 191 career National Hockey League games. 

Lyubushkin earned the nickname "Russian Bear" from the media in Arizona, because of his physical play. And the 27-year-old has delivered as advertised since arriving in Toronto. 

"He's a force out there," observed gritty winger Kyle Clifford. "He's definitely very difficult to play against. He's hard to move around the net. He doesn't give you much time and space around the net. I had the opportunity to play him a lot last year and when I saw the trade, I was really excited about it. I think it's a great fit for that D corps. He brings a really strong element there."

Lyubushkin has registered 33 hits since joining the Leafs on Feb. 22. T.J. Brodie is second among the team's defencemen in