Sheldon Keefe confirms Mitch Marner's status for Leafs game vs Sabres
Mitch Marner is working his way back from a high ankle injury, and Sheldon Keefe has just confirmed his status and when is expected to return to gameplay for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Leafs have been up and down over the last few games, with statement wins against the Washington Capitals and the Edmonton Oilers, but dropping bad games to the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes. This all comes on the back of being without star player Mitch Marner, who continues to rehab from a high ankle injury.
There have been questions about when Marner will return for the Leafs, and now Sheldon Keefe has confirmed that he will miss Saturday's game against the Buffalo Sabres, and Monday's game against the Florida Panthers.
Coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that Ilya Samsonov will start on Saturday in Buffalo.
Keefe also mentioned that Mitch Marner will need more time practicing with the team before he can return to playing in games. As a result, Marner will not be available for Monday's game against the Panthers.
When asked about his injury in the game against Boston, Marner preferred not to dwell on it, stating that it's in the past and that he's focused on moving forward.
[mark masters, David alter/X]
There is no real reason for the Leafs to rush Marner back before playoffs. While this could get them a few more points, as long as they remain in playoff position, he should rest for the gruelling battle ahead. This also allows the Leafs to play with different line combinations, allowing guys like Bertuzzi and Domi to gel with Matthews, opening up new possibilities for the playoffs.
We will see what Sheldon Keefe is thinking when Mitch Marner does return to the lineup and when playoffs begin.
| POLL | ||
MARS 29 | 869 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe confirms Mitch Marner's status for Leafs game vs Sabres Do you think Mitch Marner will return to the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup before the 2024 playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 731 | 84.1 % |
| No | 138 | 15.9 % |
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