The Leafs are on the cusp of getting back two pretty important players as Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies appear to have made great progress towards a return as early as this weekend.
Matthews had been sidelined with a mysterious upper-body injury, which resulted in a trip to Germany for treatment.
Meanwhile, Knies was recently steamrolled by Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud, who drilled Knies in the head just a week ago, resulting in what many were concerned was a concussion. Thankfully, he made significant strides towards a return during practice on Wednesday.
Unfortunately, just when everyone thought the Leafs were inching their way towards a healthier roster, the injury bug has bitten them once again, this time in Wednesday's game against the Florida Panthers.
After losing a skate blade earlier in the evening, having to hobble off to the bench on one foot, when Bobby McMann hobbled his way to the bench a second time, many had assumed that it was for a similar reason, relating to some sort of an equipment issue. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
The Leafs' official PR account on X has confirmed that McMann did indeed suffer a lower-body injury on Wednesday and was unable to return to the game against the Panthers.
Heading into Wednesday's game in Florida, the Leafs have been red hot, going on a 7-1 run in the absence of Matthews. The hope is that, if they are forced to play without McMann as well, the team can find a way to continue winning.
McMann was a part of a very effective first line for the Maple Leafs in Matthews' absence, which featured McMann, John Tavares and Mitch Marner.
POLL | ||
27 NOVEMBRE | 2389 ANSWERS More Injury Trouble for the Leafs as Another Forward Leaves Game in Florida and Does Not Return How would you rate Bobby McMann's play this season? | ||
A | 520 | 21.8 % |
B | 1439 | 60.2 % |
C | 379 | 15.9 % |
D or lower | 51 | 2.1 % |
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