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The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to be hit hard by the recent Omicron variant, as the club announced on Thursday that defenseman Morgan Rielly and a club staff member have entered the NHL’s COVID protocol.
Rielly is the 12th Toronto player to be on the list. Alex Kerfoot, John Tavares, Jason Spezza, and Wayne Simmonds were diagnosed in Vancouver on December 17, Jack Campbell, T.J. Brodie, and Travis Dermott the following day, David Kà¤mpf, Ilya Mikheyev, Petr Mrà¡zek, and Rasmus Sandin on Tuesday.
The Leafs are eligible to return to their practice facility on Boxing Day and are scheduled to play in Columbus on Monday. It is possible that some of the seven players who were initially diagnosed may test negative and be admitted to the Ford Performance Centre on Sunday, but if that occurs the Leafs roster will be significantly depleted and may lead to another postponement.
Toronto is scheduled to start a four-game homestand next Wednesday against Pittsburgh, giving the Leafs another two days to get players healthy if the Columbus game is pushed to later in the season.
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The Leafs have a number of prospects spread out over North America and Europe that could be in Blue and White at some point. With the club on hiatus until next week, here is a look at what these players are doing currently:
2017 Draft
Ian Scott - In the last three seasons, Scott has only played seven professional games, five in the ECHL with Wichita and two with the Marlies because of injuries. The 22-year-old stood out at the Traverse City Prospect Tournament in September, but once again landed on the shelf after suffering a groin injury in an early exhibition game. Reports indicate that Scott is close to being ready to return and that he will get work in the AHL.
Vladislav Kara – The Leafs 2017 fourth-rounder has failed to develop into an NHL-level prospect. After three years with Ak-Bars Kazan, the 23-year-old winger split time between two KHL clubs (Severstal Cherepovets and Moscow Spartak) and their VHL affiliates.
This season Kara is lighting it up with Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk, with 10 goals in 13 VHL games.
Ryan O’Connell - The 6’2…, 185 lb. blueliner is known for his skating ability, hockey IQ and being adept at possessing the puck, but the Leafs seventh rounder's offensive skills have not revealed themselves in the NCAA, as the 22-year-old has just two goals in 100 games and has two assists in his senior season with Ohio State.
Toronto will have to make a decision on signing him before next June.
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