The Olympics may be the finish line for some players, and the Leafs could feel it after the break
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
According to Elliotte Friedman, these Olympics could be the tipping point for some players and for the Maple Leafs they need to be careful with their top stars.
With the Maple Leafs having a bit of a break in the NHL schedule thanks to the Winter Olympics, it's going to be time for them to rest up and make sure that they are as healthy as can be for a playoff push once things go back to normal.
We know that Matthew Knies is thankful for his time off, and for sure there are other Maple Leafs players who are going through the wringer right now.
It's a league-wide issue though as teams are all dealing with injuries, and though there's a break in the action, a lot of NHL representation in the Olympics can lead to some unforeseen issues.
Olympics may be the end of the line for some players this season
For Elliotte Friedman, he believes that it could be the breaking point for some players.
Friedman explained on The FAN Hockey Show that he thinks that those who made the Olympics did so on some shaky legs, and afterwards we could end up seeing a bevy of players shut down for health reasons:
I'm beginning to think this is true...I'm wondering if there's guys holding on by a thread to get there, and then we find out after the Olympics...they're getting shut down; I hear there's a couple cases out there like that potentially.
While he doesn't point out any specific players, there are some who have been dealing with some pretty hefty issues but are playing through for the Olympics.
Toronto needs to be careful with their own Olympic representation
For the Maple Leafs, while there is no one really hurt right now with their trio of representatives, they have all dealt with injury issues this season and Toronto has to be careful in case things go wrong.
Matthews has dealt with injury issues since last season and while he is seemingly healthy, that can change in a heartbeat. Nylander just came back recently from a two-week absence and has already missed a fair chunk of the season with various ailments.
Ekman-Larsson has been fairly durable but has issues in the past and with his age not doing him any favours, there's always a risk.
But it could be a benefit for the Maple Leafs if they are trying to push for a playoff spot as certain teams may be focused on keeping players healthy, which would open the door for Toronto to earn some much needed points (provided they stay healthy too).
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Auston Matthews got asked about hanging out with William Nylander, his answer said plenty
Auston Matthews got asked about hanging out with William Nylander, his answer said plenty
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 10|830 ANSWERS The Olympics may be the finish line for some players, and the Leafs could feel it after the break Do the Maple Leafs need to rest their Olympic players more when the NHL resumes? | ||
| Yes | 448 | 54 % |
| No | 382 | 46 % |
| List of polls | ||