Another setback hits one of the crucial reserve players for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
On Friday, head coach Sheldon Keefe informed reporters that forward Calle Jarnkrok is sidelined week-to-week due to yet another hand injury.
The Swedish-born athlete sustained the injury during the Leafs’ 6-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday evening. In an attempt to pursue the puck into the offensive zone during the second period, Jarnkrok took a tumble into the sideboards, necessitating medical attention before departing the ice under his own steam. He did not return to the game.
This development deals a harsh blow to Jarnkrok, who had recently returned to action after sitting out 13 games with a fractured knuckle, an injury incurred from a shot during practice in late January. Initially, it appeared that the 32-year-old had re-injured his left hand, the same one previously affected.
Thursday’s game marked his sixth appearance following his recovery from the broken knuckle. Across 52 games this season, Jarnkrok has contributed 10 goals and 11 assists.
Before these recent setbacks, Jarnkrok had maintained a relatively clean bill of health during his time with the Leafs, serving as a consistent presence in the bottom six since joining the team ahead of the previous season. In his 125-game stint in Toronto, the former Calgary Flame has tallied 30 goals and 30 assists, including three points during the Leafs’ playoff run to the second round last year.
Throughout his career spanning 699 games, Jarnkrok has amassed 136 goals and 165 assists, with 22 points in 86 playoff appearances.
Additionally, Keefe mentioned during the Friday media briefing that there are no fresh updates on Mitch Marner, who has been absent from the team’s last two games due to a reported high-ankle sprain. Nevertheless, Keefe confirmed that Marner will not be in action Saturday night against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Leafs (38-19-8) currently hold the third position in the Atlantic Division, trailing the Florida Panthers by 10 points for the top spot but maintaining an eight-point lead over the fourth-placed Tampa Bay Lightning.