Craig Berube provides brief update on Jake McCabe, Anthony Stolarz’s injury status

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube provided a brief update on Jake McCabe and Anthony Stolarz’s injury status prior to Saturday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks.

McCabe is on injured reserve through January 12, after suffering an upper-body injury in a fight against Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway on January 5. The 31-year-old could return next week, but will need to return to practice before getting into a game.

“He’s doing well. He skated this morning. I don’t really have a timeline. Hopefully it’s not too long, let’s hope it keeps going. He’s feeling good, he’s doing well, that’s the best update I can give you on him,” Berube said of McCabe.

McCabe has been an essential part of the Maple Leafs, forming a shutdown pairing with Chris Tanev. He has recorded a goal and 11 points in 36 games, while the Maple Leafs control 53.4 percent of the goals at 5-on-5 when he’s on the ice.

Berube also provided an update on Stolarz, who suffered a knee injury on December 12 in a game against the Anaheim Ducks. The 30-year-old underwent a procedure to remove a loose body in his knee, and he could return to the ice in individual sessions next week. Joseph Woll has operated as Toronto’s unquestioned No. 1 goaltender in Stolarz’s absence, while Dennis Hildeby has served as the backup. Hildeby will start Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks, and Berube said it was largely due to Woll’s increased workload.

“I think Stolarz will be on his own for a bit, but I expect that soon, that he can get on the ice and do some things. With us, I don’t know yet with that one.”

Stolarz was a legitimate Vezina Trophy candidate prior to his injury, posting a league-best .927 save percentage, with a 2.15 goals against average, with a 9-5-2 record in 17 appearances. When he returns to action, Stolarz and Woll will operate out of a tandem set up, with the Maple Leafs surely exercising caution with both goaltenders.