After only two games, the Toronto Maple Leafs have injury issues that are complicated by cap constraints that will not allow them to recall a backup goaltender for the second Battle of Ontario against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday.
Goaltender Petr Mrazek left Thursday’s 3-2 loss in Ottawa with a groin injury and the Leafs do not have enough cap space to recall Michael Hutchinson from the AHL Toronto Marlies. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that University of Toronto goalie Alex Bishop has been signed to a amateur tryout and will back up Jack Campbell.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe said during the club’s morning availability that Mrazek is still being evaluated, but preliminary indications are that his absence will not be lengthy.
"He's still being assessed in terms of just how long he's going to be out. At this point, it's not looking like it's going to be long-term in the sense of LTIR and that kind of stuff." Keefe said. “The flat cap has created some situations here that are a lot more difficult to manage, even than they were a year ago and we had to taxi squad in the third emergency goalie.”
Defenseman Justin Holl is also out with a non-COVID illness. The blueliner went through COVID testing that the club has not received results for, but he is not well enough even with a negative test to play. Timothy Liljegren will make his first start of the year, replacing Holl alongside veteran Jake Muzzin.
"Just for familiarity, it's not trying to disrupt too many things, (Timothy) obviously spent a great deal of time with Muzz in camp and I like those guys together." Keefe said.
Keefe also said that Auston Matthews is feeling better and more comfortable with his surgically repaired wrist, but would not confirm that the center would definitely be back next week.
"There's no set date here, it's just a matter of continuing to progress. I know when I talked to him today, it was very positive.”
The Leafs have a three-day break after playing the New York Rangers on Monday and it is possible that the club will wait until next Friday against San Jose to insert the Rocket Richard winner in the lineup.
Brady Tkachuk skated with the Sens on Saturday, but the recently signed forward will not play against Toronto.
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