Leafs Forward Steven Lorentz Confirms Hit that Injured Him Was a Check to the Head

Since joining the Leafs ahead of last season on a one-year deal, Steven Lorentz has not only lived out his childhood dream of pulling that Maple Leafs jersey over his head and represnting his favourite childhood team, but he has also become one of Craig Berube's most trusted forwards.

The 29-year-old played in all but two games last season, but after suffering an upper-body injury last Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings, the former seventh-round pick has already missed three games this year.

The first two games were the result of his injury, with last night's game against the New York Rangers being a coach's decision. Lorentz has maintained a great attitude since being scratched.

With Auston Matthews absent from practice for maintenance, Berube shuffled his fourth line on Friday, adding Lorentz to an already massive line with Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy.

Along with Berube, Lorentz also spoke with the media following practice, where he was asked about the hit from Ben Chiarot that injured him.

Whether intentional or not, a check to the head is illegal and it's been surprising that no infraction committed against the Leafs has resulted in so much as a fine from the Department of Player Safety yet.

Although he didn't directly confirm, it would appear that Lorentz dealt with the effects of a slight concussion, but called his absence from the lineup more precautionary than anything.

His impending return on Saturday will inject some fresh legs into a Leafs' lineup that will be playing its fourth game in six days and looking for their third win in a row.