"Now that there is a "when" for Tim Connolly's debut as a Maple Leaf, the team must prepare to answer the follow-up questions that go with the news.

It is expected the team's big free-agent acquisition will be in the lineup here on Thursday when the Leafs face the Rangers.

With Tyler Bozak also due back after missing two games with a foot injury, Leafs brass can spend part of their two off days in Manhattan determining how to re-configure the roster.

It has been a solid start to the season, record-wise, to be sure, but the Leafs have lost two of three on this road trip and are ready for a positive jolt to gain a split."