Calle Jarnkrok’s injury makes room for Ryan Reaves’ return to the Maple Leafs.
So, just when it looked like Ryan Reaves would have to continue waiting on the wrong side of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup, Calle Järnkrok’s unlucky practice injury provided an opportunity for Reaves to play in his first game in more than six weeks.
Reaves suffered a knee injury on December 14 and was removed off injured reserve earlier this week.
The veteran fourth-liner was supposed to be a healthy scratch for Saturday’s game in Winnipeg, but a Timothy Liljegren shot shattered a knuckle on Järnkrok’s left hand during Friday practice.
Coach Sheldon Keefe informed reporters at Canada Life Centre that Järnkrok will be “week to week” while his hand recovers.
Järnkrok, a skilled two-way forward, is seventh in team goals (10) and tied with Auston Matthews for the club lead in plus/minus (plus-13).
He will be missed.
“He is very consistent in who he is in terms of his details,” he remarked. “You can play him anywhere and in any position. He can aid with the power play and penalty kill. An really crucial player for us. He is a person who doesn’t get much notice, but inside our room, I believe he has gained a lot of respect for how he plays the game.
Captain John Tavares reiterated the sentiment: “His versatility to play anywhere in the lineup with anyone is a huge asset to him. Everyone appreciates playing with him because of what he brings to the table and how he compliments everyone well. Someone we rely heavily on.
The silver lining is that after Saturday’s rematch with the Jets, Toronto will have an eight-day vacation before visiting the New York Islanders on February 5.
With depth winger Bobby McMann on injured reserve owing to an unidentified illness, the eager-to-play Reaves gets his opportunity in the spotlight.
“He’ll get his opportunity to rejoin the team,” Keefe told reporters. “Reavo has played for a long time. He’s been in this position before, moving in and out of the lineup frequently during his career. I believe he understands precisely who he is as a player and what he needs to do.
“He’ll give the room, the bench, and the players a little lift. It will be an emotional game here tonight, so the timing is ideal.
One-Timers: Winnipeg’s Mark Scheifele (lower body) will miss the game, but Gabriel Vilardi and Josh Morrissey might fill in. Both involve game-time decisions. The goaltender battle is Ilya Samsonov vs. Connor Hellebuyck. “I don’t want to say something like, ‘I’m back’ or ‘Not back.’ “I’m here right now,” Samsonov told reporters after shutting out the Jets on Wednesday.. Tyler Bertuzzi did not participate in Wednesday’s triumph. He returns to the Leafs after having his second kid with his wife. Mark Giordano draws in after being healthy scratched for two straight games.
Leave a Reply