Six Leafs forwards sidelined ahead of tonight's game
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a shadow of their usual selves, particularly up front.
A string of injuries — and a suspension — has left the team struggling with forward depth, which could make their upcoming stretch of games even more challenging.
On Wednesday, the team announced that forward Max Domi has been placed on IR, calling up Nikita Grebenkin to fill his spot.
The Maple Leafs have placed F Max Domi on IR (lower body) retroactive to November 16.
F Nikita Grebenkin has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) November 20, 2024
That bit of disappointing news came just one day after it was revealed that centre David Kampf had been put on IR retroactively due to a lower-body injury. Toronto then called up Fraser Minten from the Marlies.
The Maple Leafs have placed F David Kämpf on IR (lower body) retroactive to November 16.
F Fraser Minten has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) November 19, 2024
Tuesday also saw featured reports about Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who last played on November 3. According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, Matthews is working with a specific doctor he’s seen before as he continues to work his way to full health.
Auston Matthews is currently in Munich receiving treatment from a doctor he's worked with in the past, and is being accompanied by a team physician. The #leafs say there's no been no setback or change in his status.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 19, 2024
A week filled with bad news started even earlier, though, as the Leafs provided details regarding Calle Jarnkrok’s recent hernia surgery, announcing that he is listed as “month-to-month.”
Maple Leafs F Calle Järnkrok underwent groin and sports hernia surgery today and is listed as month-to-month.
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) November 18, 2024
Throw in the recent five-game suspension issued to enforcer Ryan Reaves and the leg injury sustained by Max Pacioretty in a game against the Montreal Canadiens on November 9, and it’s safe to say luck is not on Toronto’s side these days.
However, despite missing several key contributors, the Leafs managed to grind out a win in their last game, edging the Edmonton Oilers 4-3.
The team skated the following forward lines during Tuesday’s practice:
Line 1: Bobby McMann – John Tavares – Mitch Marner
Line 2: Matthew Knies – Max Domi – William Nylander
Line 3: Nicholas Robertson – Fraser Minten – Pontus Holmberg
Line 4: Connor Dewar – Steven Lorentz – Alexander Steeves
With Domi now sidelined, tonight’s lineup against the Vegas Golden Knights will see further adjustments, but it may still resemble these combinations.
Puck drop at Scotiabank Arena is set for 7:30 pm ET.