Injured Forward Takes Huge Step Forward for Maple Leafs; Berube Provides Official Update

With the NHL resuming practices after a week-long hiatus due to the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Toronto Maple Leafs welcomed a familiar face back to practice in the injured Calle Jarnkrok.

The Swedish forward has been out all season as he has been recovering from sports hernia surgery, which he underwent in the middle of November. Naturally, this led to his LTIR placement.

On Tuesday, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube touched on Jarnkrok's return to the ice and what their plan is moving forward for the 33-year-old veteran. As reported by the Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan:

He's still a ways away from making his season debut, but just being back on the ice, getting some good reps in, and being around the team will do Jarnkrok wonders.

The veteran utility forward wasn't able to replicate the 20 goals and 39 points he recorded in his first season with the Maple Leafs last year, tallying just 10 goals and 21 points in 52 games.

His name has been mentioned a lot in trade talks as well, due in part to his cap hit. His return to the ice could certainly help the Maple Leafs with their biggest weakness, though, which is secondary scoring.

Jarnkrok has 5 seasons with 15+ goals under his belt and with the Maple Leafs struggling to generate scoring from anyone outside of the Core 4, the Swede could improve his standing and value to the club in short order.

Once he does get activated from the LTIR, expect Jarnkrok to challenge for a top-9 spot that is currently being occupied by the likes of Pontus Holmberg, Nicholas Robertson, and Max Domi.