Sheldon Keefe Reveals Fate of Injured Leafs Defenseman Who Exited Mid-Game

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Marvin Azrak
March 3, 2024 (9:13)

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Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin took a hit during Saturday's game against the New York Rangers, and it looks like he might have sustained a head injury.

According to head coach Sheldon Keefe, they'll need to take a closer look to figure out the extent of it.

Head Injury Concerns for Toronto's Ilya Lyubushkin

Keefe didn't hold back in describing the hit. He mentioned that Lyubushkin got checked hard into the boards by Rangers' forward Matt Rempe, and it wasn't pretty.

Keefe pointed out that Rempe seemed to come in fast and leave his feet, making contact with Lyubushkin's head.

"I asked him after the game," Samsonov relayed. "Yeah, he's a little bit hurt. But I think he's good. He's good right now, and he'll have time for recovery a little bit."

Lyubushkin, who's 29 years old, only managed to play about 12 minutes before having to leave the game. And here's the kicker: it was his very first game with the Leafs after being traded from the Anaheim Ducks. Tough break for the guy, getting sidelined so soon after joining a new team.

"I asked him after the game," Samsonov relayed. "Yeah, he's a little bit hurt. But I think he's good. He's good right now, and he'll have time for recovery a little bit."