Two More Maple Leafs Ruled Out vs. the New York Islanders
Not only is Toronto missing Auston Matthews and Anthony Stolarz, they will be without two of their regulars when they faceoff against the New York Islanders.
It's been a tough end to 2024 for the Maple Leafs as the team has been bang average as of late, not scoring as much as they used to and suddenly have their once strong goaltending a big question mark.
Well if they wanted to finish the year off with a bang, they'll have to do it without two of their regular roster members. According to David Alter of The Hockey News, both Pontus Holmberg and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are dealing with illnesses and will not play against the Islanders.
Toronto's 2025 Needs To Be A Healthy One
In what seems to be an almost daily occurrence, injuries to several Maple Leafs players throughout 2024 has cost the team.
Auston Matthews has missed half the season so far almost, Anthony Stolarz is out another month, they only recently had David Kampf and Jake McCabe come back.
The list of names beyond those stretch wide too.
Chris Tanev, Max Pacioretty, Max Domi, and Matthew Knies have all missed time at one point; not to mention Calle Jarnkrok and Jani Hakanpaa who are dealing with career-threatening ailments.
It's a bad omen if the team can't keep healthy in 2025 and for as good as they are, if they can't get on the ice it doesn't matter.
Brad Treliving made a lot of noise about all of the depth he added, and while it's been a decent showing, one has to wonder not if; but when he's going to make a deal.
With how tough their competition is in the Atlantic Division and a schedule that is just as intensive as it was in December, Toronto can't afford any setbacks especially with long-term injuries.
Whether it's a product of Craig Berube's system or not; something needs to be figured out how to keep everyone healthy.
Toronto will be in tough on Tuesday afternoon as they take on the New York Islanders at 1pm ET for a New Year's Eve matinee.
