Johnsson’s small step toward return
Forward isn’t 100% yet, but has returned to ice after injury on Dec. 4
Having binge-watched “How I Met Your Mother” and other TV shows while sidelined with what is believed to be a broken foot, Andreas Johnsson practised Tuesday in a familiar blue sweater that indicates the Swedish winger is inching closer to returning to the Maple Leafs lineup.
“I don’t feel 100 per cent yet, but at least I’m on the ice now working on some stuff,” Johnsson said. “It’s nice to be on ice and practise with the guys. That’s a step forward.”
The Leafs put Johnsson on long-term injured reserve with what the team called a leg injury, suffered during a 3-1loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Dec. 4. He revealed a bit more to reporters Tuesday.
“I was a little bit sad at the beginning, when I heard the news that it was broken,” Johnsson said. “But then, you know, a bit happy I wasn’t going to be out too long. There’s still some season left. And now I feel I’m getting closer. So I wouldn’t say I feel frustrated, but excitement.”
With six goals and 10 assists, Johnsson was perhaps underperforming at the time he went down — before the coaching change from Mike Babcock to Sheldon Keefe. The Leafs have gone 11-2-1 without Johnsson, while the likes of Mason Marchment and Adam Brooks have been called up to take his roster spot and a variety of teammates — now Zach Hyman — have filled in on left wing with centre Auston Matthews.
“It’s fun to see the guys playing so well,” Johnsson said. “It probably makes it easier for me to come back, with the team playing so good.”
There is no timeline for
Johnsson’s return. Since he wore a cast and has only begun to skate, it will take some time.
“I think he’s getting closer,” Keefe said. “I haven’t had an update other than giving him another skate … There’s been no indication that I should expect him (to play Wednesday against the Jets).”
Injuries have certainly been a factor for the Leafs this season. Forward Trevor Moore, who has been sidelined with a concussion, practised in a red sweater indicating no contact.
“Good days and bad days,” Moore said, “but it’s progressing, it’s good.”
Forward Ilya Mikheyev, recovering from surgery after his wrist was slashed by a skate, remains out long-term and there’s still no sign of Jake Muzzin, out with a broken foot suffered while blocking a shot.
“No progress there,” Keefe said. “There’s no real update or timeline with (Muzzin). He hasn’t skated or anything.”
Tuesday’s practice wasn’t exactly physical, so there was no big test for Johnsson. The team worked on skills development on two sheets of ice, forwards separate from defence. Johnsson wore shot-blocking guards on his skates.
“I’ve got some protectors now. Hopefully I’m not breaking (my foot) again,” Johnsson said, unsure if he’ll keep wearing them. “I usually don’t like the extra stuff. I want to be light and fast, so sometimes (extra stuff ) gets in the way.”
If there’s a silver lining to all the injuries, it’s been a steady influx of NHL-ready players from the AHL’s Marlies. Veteran defenceman Martin Marincin — who had volunteered to split time with the Leafs and Marlies just to get playing time — has stepped in ably for Muzzin. Marchment and Brooks are getting their first NHL experience on the fourth line with Frederik Gauthier.
Add in the ease with which forward Pierre Engvall has made the jump and it’s easy to conclude the organization’s patient approach to player development is reaping rewards. Seven rookies have suited up for the Leafs this season.
“I’m happy because I’ve been playing with them for a while,” Johnsson said. “Nice to see familiar faces get a chance … their hard work is paying off.”
If you want to go back further, 10 current Leafs were Calder Cup champions together in 2018: Travis Dermott, Justin Holl, Dmytro Timashov, Marincin, Johnsson, Moore, Engvall, Marchment, Brooks and Gauthier. Johnsson was the tournament MVP.