Via Sheldon Keefe:
•Max Domi won’t play Tuesday and likely out Wednesday
•Bobby McMann out the final two games
•Joseph Woll starts Tuesday/TBD Wednesday
• Calle Järnkrok is “not ready to play” and uncertain for Game 1— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) April 15, 2024
Maple Leafs Provide Updates on Several Player Injuries
The Toronto Maple Leafs are being hammered hard by injuries. Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe provided updates on a few of players ahead of the team’s final regular-season games and postseason preparations. Several players were missing on the ice for practice on Monday, leading to questions about respective status for the last few games.
Firstly, forward Max Domi is scheduled to sit out both remaining regular-season matches owing to an unexplained ailment. Although Keefe stated Domi’s issue has been persistent, exacerbating slightly in recent games, it’s not anticipated to impede his availability for the postseason. Domi’s late-season play has been noticeable, especially with his rise to the first line alongside Auston Matthews and Tyler Bertuzzi, tallying 47 points in 80 games this season, with 37 assists at even strength.
Meanwhile, Bobby McMann will miss the remaining two regular-season games due to a lower-body ailment, with his availability for the opening playoff game versus the Panthers unknown. He was injured in a game vs the Detroit Red Wings last week.
Winger Calle Järnkrok‘s likely participation in Game 1 is questionable as he continues his recuperation from a hand injury. Järnkrok, who hasn’t played since mid-March, is a day-to-day candidate for the lineup.
Maple Leafs’ Defense Has Been Hit By Injuries Too
On the defensive front, Joel Edmundson‘s status for the upcoming game against the Florida Panthers will rely on an evaluation by the medical staff. Edmundson, acquired at the trade deadline, has been limited by an unexplained injury for most of his time with the Leafs. He did practice on Monday. Keefe added, “We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow just to be sure, but practice today was a positive sign for him.”
With Domi and McMann out for the last regular-season games and Järnkrok’s future uncertain, the Leafs’ bottom-six forward group is weakened. Edmundson’s availability will be assessed closer to game time.
It is believed some of these moves to sit players is more a preventative measure to guarantee most, if not all, are ready for the playoffs.
