“Maple Leafs Face Potential Loss of Key Forward Ahead of Final Game Before NHL All-Star Break”
On Saturday, the Maple Leafs may find themselves missing one of their hardworking forwards.
During Friday’s practice at the Ford Performance Centre, Winger Calle Jarnkrok was struck on the hand by a shot and immediately left the ice, expressing frustration by throwing his glove as he headed to the locker room.
There were doubts about Jarnkrok’s availability for the Leafs’ final game before the National Hockey League all-star break on Saturday against the Jets in Winnipeg.
Calle Jarnkrok slams his glove in frustration after he leaves practice early after blocking a point shot in a practice drill. pic.twitter.com/777kbGkyMc
— David Alter (@dalter) January 26, 2024
Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe expressed, “There’s definitely concern there. Until we allow it some time to settle down and get it checked out, we won’t know the extent of the injury.”
Keefe couldn’t confirm whether Jarnkrok would travel with the team on Friday afternoon as a result of the injury.
Having tallied 10 goals and nine assists in 46 games for the Leafs in the 2023–24 season, Jarnkrok is among the six players who have played in every game for the team. Additionally, he is a reliable player on the penalty-killing units.
Tyler Bertuzzi returned to the second line alongside captain John Tavares and William Nylander after missing the Leafs’ 1-0 overtime victory against the Jets to attend the birth of his son.
With Bertuzzi’s return, the Leafs are required to make a roster move. Keefe stated that Bobby McMann would be placed on injured reserve due to an undisclosed ailment.
“We had hoped it would improve with time, but it’s persisted to the point where it was decided that he would benefit from an extended absence, so he’s going on indefinite leave,” Keefe explained. “We’re extending his break by three days—today, tomorrow, and the day before—off the ice, in hopes that he’ll recover by the time we return.”
During the remainder of practice, Ryan Reaves, who hasn’t played since December 14th due to injury, filled in for Jarnkrok on the third line alongside Nick Robertson and Max Domi. Despite recently being activated off injured reserve after recovering from a kneecap injury, Reaves may not play in Winnipeg. Keefe is considering starting with seven defensemen and 11 forwards.
Jarnkrok’s potential absence would certainly impact the team.
According to Keefe, “He’s very consistent in his approach, in terms of his attention to detail. He contributes on both the power play and penalty kill, and he can be deployed in any situation. He’s a very important player for us.”
Keefe also confirmed that Ilya Samsonov will start in goal, as expected.
