maple leafs

Matthews going for 50, Mrazek out, injury updates galore; Leafs vs. Jets

Mar 31, 2022 • 8:44 am

Be sure to like HockeyBuzz on facebook! For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter *******If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact… button at the top of the page.******* The Toronto Maple Leafs did not come out of the 6-4 win over Boston on Tuesday unscathed and prior to their matchup against the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday, head coach Sheldon Keefe provided an update on the long list of the club’s wounded. Petr Mrazek is getting a second opinion on the groin injury that forced him to leave in the first period on Tuesday, but preliminary indications are that the veteran goaltender will be out a minimum of six weeks, which is a window that extends past the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Jack Campbell is day-to-day and getting closer to being able to return, which likely means he will start at some point during the club’s upcoming four-game road trip starting Saturday in Philadelphia. Erik Kallgren will start against the Jets after making 23 saves to earn the win in Boston and Michael Hutchinson has been brought up on emergency recall to backup. Ilya Lyubushkin took to the ice prior to the morning skate on Thursday, but will not play after taking a punch to the head from Bruins winger Taylor Hall. The Leafs blueliner encountered symptoms after being struck and Keefe said the club’s medical staff is being extra cautious. Justin Holl was a full participant and will play alongside Mark Giordano, with TJ Brodie reuniting with Morgan Rielly on one pairing, and call up Carl Dahlstrom playing with Timothy Liljegren. Keefe said that Jake Muzzin is also day-to-day and likely on the same timeline as Campbell. Toronto is also making changes up front to reflect the expectation of things getting physical after the 6-3 loss to Winnipeg on December 5 in which Jets defenseman Neil Pionk and Leafs forward Jason Spezza were suspended. Colin Blackwell will sit in place of Wayne Simmonds, who will join Spezza and Kyle Clifford on the Leafs fourth line.