Mrázek out for at least six weeks
The Maple Leafs’ medical room is a lot like a ferris wheel these days. As some newly injured players get on it, some just healed get off.
Goalie Jack Campbell, out with a rib injury since March 9, was cleared to practise just as Petr Mrázek re- aggravated his troublesome groin. He will miss at least six weeks.
Defenceman Jake Muzzin, out with a concussion since Feb. 22, is officially on day- to- day status and will join the team on a four- game road trip that starts Saturday. This news came hours before Ilya Lyubushkin sat out Thursday’s game against Winnipeg with a head injury.
“We don’t want guys playing through things unnecessarily at this point in time,” Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said. “Injuries are some part of our game. That’s just the reality of it. Guys can get injured in games, guys can get injured in practice.”
It’s been a whirlwind of call- ups as the Leafs go through arguably their worst bout of injuries at the least opportune time.
Also out, with no word on when they’ll return: defenceman Rasmus Sandin ( knee) and forward Ondr ej Kaše ( head). The Leafs called up goalie Michael Hutchinson, and defencemen Carl Dahlström, Mac Hollowell and Filip Král to make sure they had enough bodies.
“It’s next- man- up mentality,” Leafs centre Auston Matthews said. “If you get called in to play, you’ve got to be ready. We’re confident in our depth.”
The season has been nothing short of a disaster for Mrázek. This is the third time the wonky groin has cost him games. The 30- yearold will finish with the regular season with a 12- 6- 0 record in 20 games played, but a 3.34 goalsagainst average, and .888 save percentage.
His lingering health issues and performance under expectations are even more concerning when considering his $ 3.8- million cap hit for two more years. He was supposed to be a tandem with Campbell. But whatever veteran presence he might offer won’t be around for the first round of the playoffs.
Campbell’s return will be welcome, but comes with its own question mark. He was, after all, an allstar. And though he struggled in the month before his injury, the Leafs are counting on him to return to form in time for the playoffs.
Erik Källgren is probably in the catbird seat for now, with Hutchinson — who has been known to make Leaf fans groan — the backup until Campbell is ready. Rookie Joseph Woll, who impressed earlier in the season in a limited role, is out with a shoulder injury.
“Källgren’s done a good job,” Keefe said.
“He’s won some big hockey games and he’s done really well. I think he’s gained confidence the more comfortable he gets here. Obviously, Jack ( Campbell) is right on the cusp of returning and looks really good.”