The Leafs had a mostly uneventful morning skate, although there were a few notable developments regarding their injured players.
Calle Jarnkrok and Timothy Liljegren were seen on the ice ahead of the main group this morning getting in some reps as both players work their way back from injuries. While this does not signal an imminent return for both of these players, this is another step closer to them potentially seeing some game action before the conclusion of the regular season.
Jarnkrok has been out for nearly a month with a hand injury suffered during a game against the Flyers while Liljegren is recovering from an upper-body injury. Both players have plenty of importance to the team and the fact they are not being rushed back indicates the team is using the critical time left in the regular season for both to recover.
Matt Murray continues to get reps on the ice and today was another step closer to his return to action. No word yet on the diagnosis from the doctors about his eligibility to play this season but he is well on his way to playing again nonetheless.
Sheldon Keefe spoke with the media after practice and provided an update on Joel Edmundson, who appears to be on his way back a bit earlier than initially anticipated. He won’t be able to play tonight against the Penguins or tomorrow in New Jersey, but could return as early as Thursday against the Devils.
Having him back in the fold would certainly be a big boost to the back end as Edmundson has done well as a third-pairing defenceman bringing in physicality, tenacity, and size that will be critical in the postseason. He took part in his first practice since his ailment earlier this week so the fact he is not far removed from slotting back in is a good sign all things considered.
Otherwise, it appears the Leafs will not be making any changes and will use the same lineup that helped them secure a 4-2 win over the Canadiens on Saturday night. That includes Ilya Samsonov getting the nod as he was the first goalie off the ice at the morning skate. I would imagine the Leafs only give him a few more starts before the playoffs begin as he has all but secured the starting job for Game 1 which appears to be happening down in Florida.
The Leafs will take on Kyle Dubas and his Penguins on Monday night, where you can catch the action on Sportsnet and the puck drop set for 7 p.m. EST.
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