Bunting to be healthy scratch as Maple Leafs prep for Game 5

With all eyes on where Michael Bunting would line up at practice, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed the 27-year-old winger would not play in Thursday’s highly anticipated Game 5.

Bunting was seen at practice wearing a white jersey which is reserved for players who play in the bottom six. The team also had no players wearing grey jerseys, which are usually reserved for extra skaters who aren’t expected to play.

Once practice started, Bunting was taking part as an extra skater with Wayne Simmonds, according to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.

“It’s not an easy decision,” Keefe said. “He will get back in. It’s just not going to be tomorrow.”

Another change was rookie Matthew Knies skating in the top six on a line with John Tavares and Mitch Marner. Knies earned the trust of his head coach, who said that Knies would not be taken out of the lineup for Bunting.

“We’re comfortable with the group that’s won three games in a row.”

RELATED: Maple Leafs’ Keefe endorses Knies, faces tricky lineup call with Bunting back

Bunting played all 82 regular season games, finishing with 23 goals, 26 assists and 49 points. He was also one of the most penalized players in the league, with 103 penalty minutes.

“My job is to be a great teammate and be a professional,” Bunting said after Wednesday’s practice, admitting that he hopes to make a return to the lineup soon.

“That’s what I’m going to keep doing, and I’ll wait for my number to be called.”

Bunting was suspended for three playoff games following an illegal hit to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Erik Cernak in Game 1. Cernak left and did not return. He hasn’t played since and is expected to remain out for Thursday’s game.

“Obviously, his situation opened the door for someone like Knies to come in and he did a terrific job for us, and the chemistry of the rest of the group just makes sense,” Keefe said.

The team also had Victor Mete on the ice at practice along with goaltender Matt Murray who joined the main group.

Murray hasn’t played since April 2 after he left that game early with a head injury. The 28-year-old goalie struggled to stay healthy in his first season in Toronto, appearing in 26 games with a 14-8 record, 3.01 goals against average and .903 save percentage.

With files from Sportsnet