Leafs' Clifford: Expanded playoffs not ideal but 'different can be good'

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Kyle Clifford isn't crazy about the NHL's proposed expanded playoff bracket, but he'll give it a chance if it provides a chance to play again.

"It's not ideal, but we're not in ideal times right now," Clifford said Wednesday, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton. "But a Stanley Cup Playoffs that includes 20-24 teams is better than no playoffs at all. It's going to be different, not what we're used to, but different can be good."

The NHL has proposed both expanding the playoff field and maintaining the traditional 16-team format. It was reported Monday that the league is leaning toward jumping straight into the postseason rather than playing out the remainder of the regular season.

"There's a real appetite among the players and coaching staffs to get back playing," Clifford said. "We're waiting, we're staying ready, we're all training, (everyone) is putting the work in. We're staying patient."

Clifford was acquired from the Los Angeles Kings earlier in the season along with goaltender Jack Campbell. He appeared in 16 games with the Maple Leafs before the season went on pause March 12, registering one goal and two assists. The 29-year-old winger won two Stanley Cups during his tenure with the Kings.

The Maple Leafs sat third in the Atlantic Division with 81 points through 70 games, three points clear of the Florida Panthers. They were slated for a first-round matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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