Multiple key players missing at Toronto Maple Leafs practice today with injuries
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Practice for the Toronto Maple Leafs began on Friday, but several key players from their starting lineup are absent, which may cast doubt on their prospects for opening night.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming off a solid preseason win on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings, winning 2-0 behind two goals from Nick Robertson, who has scored five goals so far this preseason, and an outstanding effort from new goalie Anthony Stolarz.
Therefore, the fact that Robertson and Stolarz were missing from the Maple Leafs' Friday practice along with a few other important players was somewhat concerning and inconspicuous:
The Maple Leafs were missing Calle Jarnkrok, Nikita Grebenkin, Easton Cowan, Jake McCabe, and Stolarz in addition to Robertson. While Jarnkrok's absence makes sense-he is still healing from an injury sustained earlier in camp-the fact that McCabe isn't playing hockey is concerning.
The Maple Leafs count him among their top-4 defensemen, so his absence will be felt by the team (though they have ample insurance for situations like this). It is unknown why Cowan and Grebenkin did not show up for practice, though it is possible that they were discussing their reassignment and future with the team.
Although Jarnkrok participated in Thursday's game against Detroit, it appears that he aggravated his injury again, and McCabe also sustained one, according to the Toronto Maple Leafs' official PR account on X:
The practice lines were a little different this morning due to the absence of these players, but they still had a similar vibe to what the Maple Leafs would wear on opening night:
It is the hope of the fans that these injuries are not a sign of something more serious and won't affect the opening night of the regular season.
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