Maple Leafs Forward Returns to the Ice: What Does It Mean for the Team?
Calle Jarnkrok has yet to play for the Maple Leafs this season, but he recently returned to the ice in a big step forward toward his return from a sports hernia.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been without one of their key bottom-six contributors this season, as forward Calle Jarnkrok suffered an injury in the preseason and has been recovering ever since. It's been unknown the extent of the injury or how long it'll take for him to come back, but we now have a big update.
Jarnkrok was seen skating by himself in a grey 'extras' jersey before the Maple Leafs took their morning skate on Tuesday ahead of their game against the Boston Bruins:
It was a huge sign that Jarnkrok is on the right track, and given his injury was reported to be a sports hernia about a week ago, his appearance on the ice should bring a big sigh of relief to the Maple Leafs and their fans.
The Top 9 would change pretty heavily once Jarnkrok returns. Toronto has too many pieces and not enough spots and it will be tough to fit everyone in. Jarnkrok provides a defensive role and will also help Toronto's already fantastic penalty kill, but is more than capable of helping out offensively at times.
Craig Berube's insistence on keeping Pontus Holmberg around may spell the end for Nick Robertson upon Jarnkrok's return. So far this season, both men have failed to impress and Berube's game plan of big-bodied, gritty forwards has the 5'9 Robertson on the outside looking in.
Toronto also has a returning Connor Dewar to find a place in the lineup, and with Robertson's lack of production maybe it's worth a shot to see what he can do.
Robertson isn't going to sit on the fourth line unless Craig Berube decides to just do a complete 180 on Ryan Reaves for the time being. The third line will presumably be Jarnkrok/Domi/Holmberg or Dewar; your fourth line isn't moving with Steven Lorentz, David Kampf, and Reaves/Dewar; so the writing is on the wall.
Robertson will at least be able to fetch some assets as Toronto will no doubt try and use his untapped potential as a bargaining chip. Teams should be jumping on the chance at getting Robertson, and Toronto should be able to get a couple of picks back in return. It's a good price to pay for someone who wanted out at the beginning of the season and feels like he doesn't want to be here anymore.
Toronto is going to welcome Calle Jarnkrok back with open arms, while also pushing Nick Robertson out the door as quickly as they can.
