shoot that earlier pic.twitter.com/9Qo7G0maHp
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 8, 2024
During the second quarter, Marner fired a shot before landing on his right leg. Following his tumble on the ice, he took his time getting up and headed straight to the bench.
Although Keefe mentioned that Marner skated, he did not provide an update on where the Maple Leafs forward could be in his recovery.
“No update on Mitch,” Keefe added. “He did skate today, so read into that what you will.”
Sheldon Keefe said there is no update on Mitch Marner’s status other than the fact that he skated for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury in Boston.
“Read into that what you will.” @BodogCA
– David Alter (@dalter) March 13, 2024.
Marner’s injury comes at a critical point in what may be a breakout season for the right winger. This season, he has 76 points in 62 games, just 23 shy of his career high of 99 points in 80 games from previous year.
Keefe stated earlier this week that Marner is “unlikely” to play against the Flyers on Thursday night. With the forward presumably out, the Maple Leafs were able to change their lines before flying to Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon.
“Of course, you’d like to solidify some things and maintain consistency. But this time of year brings a variety of things. Right now, it’s Mitch’s injury, and it’s a key guy that impacts the perspective of our club very substantially,” Keefe explained.
“I believe we have a decent understanding of which lines and combinations have worked. We’ve been quite steady throughout the season. Obviously an adjustment with John (Tavares) and how we’ve used him over the last month or so.”
Marner did not take the ice with the main group during practice on Wednesday, but he did attend team meetings. This season, he leads the Leafs in assists with 51. The Leafs have been cautious in disclosing facts about Marner’s ailment. When asked if he was satisfied that Marner’s injury did not appear to be significant following further evaluation on Monday, the coach replied, “I’m not sure what serious means.”
