Unfortunate News Hits Key Maple Leafs Defenseman Leading To Philippe Myers' Call-Up
The Maple Leafs have yet another injury as Oliver Ekman-Larsson is dealing with an illness, so the team called up Philippe Myers to take his spot.
It feels like someone has placed a curse on the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 2024-25 season.
First, it was Calle Jarnkrok in the offseason. Auston Matthews and Max Pacioretty followed. All of a sudden, Toronto is down Max Domi, David Kampf, and now Matthew Knies.
As if things couldn't get worse, their defense finally took a hit as Oliver Ekman-Larsson is currently dealing with an illness, so the Leafs have called up Philippe Myers to cover for him.
Sent down on a conditioning loan on Nov. 16 in order to get some reps in, Myers will be a placeholder and could start against Utah if Craig Berube feels Jani Hakanpaa needs another game off.
Myers, who signed with Toronto in the offseason on a 1-year $775,000 deal and has 159 career NHL games spent with Philadelphia, Nashville, Tampa Bay, and now Toronto.
He's played one game this season for Toronto and could be a huge impact player with Ekman-Larsson out given his 6'5 frame, giving another huge body to add to Toronto's blueline.
It's a huge blow to the Maple Leafs defense as Ekman-Larsson was playing with a new edge and looked ten years younger on the ice. A lot of criticism came his way when he signed but he has since put those worries to rest.
This season, he has 8 points in 20 games and was a key part of Toronto's defensive shift.
The 15-year veteran came over to the Maple Leafs on a 4-year deal this summer and instantly made an impact, and any extended absence will be a huge detriment.
Ekman-Larsson also recently celebrated his 1000th NHL game, a huge accomplishment for a player who has gone through so much in his career.
It's time for Myers to step up though and show that he can kick it with the NHL group. He's certainly gotten his chances and is always on the cusp of being at least a regular third-pairing defender.
The team is incredibly high on him, and if he makes an impact it could be massive for both Myers and the Maple Leafs.
Given Toronto's massive injury list, it's time for their depth pieces to step up. This is the reason Myers was signed, and now it's his time to shine.
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