Injury Concerns Grow for Two Maple Leafs Players After Missing Practice
The Toronto Maple Leafs might have some more injuries to be concerned about after both Steven Lorentz and Oliver Ekman-Larsson both missed practice on Saturday.
Although the Maple Leafs came away with the victory against the Rangers on Friday night, it wasn't without some blemishes as forward Steven Lorentz left the game briefly last night as fans anticipated the worst.
While he did return, there is some concerns around his future status as it was revealed on Saturday that Lorentz missed practice and was seen riding a stationary bike instead, presumably to work out any kinks he's dealing with.
Ekman-Larsson left last night's game against the Rangers and missed pretty much the entire third period, only being available for 5:19 of the final frame.
It's a worrying trend that the Maple Leafs keep dropping and they cannot afford any setbacks when it comes to their push for a strong playoff run.
What does this mean for Toronto going forward?
Toronto Cannot Afford Any Setbacks During Stanley Cup Push
Adding a ton of pressure to a team already wracked with injuries, Toronto can't afford to lose Ekman-Larsson with an already thin and inconsistent defensive corps, meanwhile Lorentz has been a quiet but reliable contributor this season.
Even though he's relegated to fourth line duties, Lorentz brings a lot of energy, toughness, and a unique clutch factor that's endeared him to fans this season.
In 59 games, Lorentz has five goals and nine assists, 148 hits and only four PIM; a testament to his ability to disrupt opponents without putting his team at any risk.
Signed on a PTO during the offseason, he impressed enough to earn a one-year deal, and could very well find himself in the running for an extension.
Ekman-Larsson, though not the offensive dynamo he once was, has been a solid defenseman for the Maple Leafs this season.
He's dealt with some injuries this season already, but has put together a good campaign after questions surrounding his fit with the team.
In 58 games, OEL has four goals and 21 assists while adding a plus-18 rating in 21:01; his most TOI since 2021-22.
Ekman-Larsson signed a three-year deal with the Maple Leafs this past offseason as part of Brad Treliving's drastic defensive shakeup.
These injuries are the type of ones that set a team back a bit even if they aren't serious and all Toronto can hope for is that it's matter of a long season, not an injured one.
