Laughton to slot as third-line centre, Carlo next to Rielly in Maple Leafs debuts

Heading into the trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs had holes at centre and on the right side of their blue line.

For one night at least, those will both be plugged.

Scott Laughton will line up at third-line centre while Brandon Carlo will pair up with Morgan Rielly in their Leafs debuts on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche, head coach Craig Berube told reporters in Denver.

Carlo, a tall, defensive-minded blue-liner, looks to be a comfortable pairing on the right side for the offensively focused Rielly, who plays on the left.

The 28-year-old was acquired from the Boston Bruins on Friday in exchange for a protected first-round pick and prospect Fraser Minten.

Laughton will start with Max Domi and Bobby McMann on his wings, making for a third line the Leafs hope can provide sound defensive play while also contributing on offence.

The Oakville, Ont., native joined the Maple Leafs in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday, with a conditional first-round pick and AHLer Nikita Grebenkin headed the other way.

Meanwhile, defenceman Chris Tanev will miss a fifth straight game with an upper-body injury.

The Avalanche will counter with a pair of trade-deadline additions of their own as centres Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle will make their Colorado debuts at home.

The goaltending matchup pits the Leafs’ Anthony Stolarz against the Avs’ Mackenzie Blackwood.

Live coverage of the game begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.