Andersen might be ready to go against the Coyotes
It was a sign of the times when William Nylander showed up for Monday’s post-practice scrum while sipping a cup of chicken broth.
A flu bug hit the Maple Leafs over the weekend, with John Tavares and Justin Holl also sick. The mood was buoyant, however, after some positive news about the health of No. 1 goalie Frederik Andersen — who might return to the lineup for Tuesday night’s home date against the Arizona Coyotes.
“I’m feeling good,” Andersen said following practice, one week after a pair of goal-crease collisions knocked him out of a game against the Florida Panthers and into concussion protocol.
“This was (my) first practice back with the team, and it’s been a good process so far. We’re taking the right steps in the right time fashion. I’m day to day … (Tuesday’s game) is not ruled out.”
It appears that the netminder has reached the final phase of the protocol, showing no effects from a full on-ice workout. He’ll be checked again by the team’s medical staff before determining if he can play against the Coyotes. Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe was cautiously optimistic.
“I think so, yes,” Keefe said of Andersen’s availability. “We’re not ruling that out.”
The coach also expressed hope that all of the players who missed practice would be available Tuesday. In addition to those fighting the flu, forwards Zach Hyman ( bumps and bruises) and Kyle Clifford (family funeral) were also absent.
“(Tavares and Holl) will be game-time decisions,” said Keefe, “and of course we’re hoping it’s something that doesn’t spread.”
Nylander missed two games because of illness and had stayed away form the arena entirely before skating Monday — the chicken broth was a rare sight in the Leafs’ dressing room. The 23-year-old forward, on pace for a career season with 49 points in 54 games, said his game-level conditioning was the only hurdle remaining before a return to the lineup.
Andersen, meanwhile, declined to talk specifics about his ailment. It’s listed as a neck injury, but he was struck on the head twice during the Panthers game, in collisions with Mark Pysyk and Frank Vitrano. He added that, despite the Florida contest, he thinks the NHL has made strides when it comes to protecting goalies.
“They’re taking good steps,” he said, “putting the onus on players hitting another player, especially in a vulnerable position. They’re looking out for goalies and making sure (collisions) don’t happen.”
Andersen has also been getting acquainted with his new backup, Jack Campbell, who arrived in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings last week. Andersen took Campbell out to dinner, a gesture which went a long way with the new No. 2.
“What a great guy,” Campbell said. “We went to dinner (Sunday) and we had a really nice time. I’ve heard through the grapevine how nice a guy he is, so it’s nice to finally be on the same side.”