Craig Berube provides update on Anthony Stolarz, rules out setback: ‘Obviously, worse than we thought’

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube revealed that Anthony Stolarz’s upper-body injury is more severe than initially anticipated.

Stolarz has not played since getting pulled from a November 11 loss against the Boston Bruins during the second period. The 31-year-old was listed with an upper-body injury, and was placed on injured reserve retroactive to November 11, on November 15.

“Obviously, worse than we thought,” Berube said Thursday following the Leafs’ morning skate. “He’s not ready to get on the ice yet and do the things that he needs to. Hopefully soon, I don’t have a timetable.”

Berube also ruled out the possibility of a setback.

“We weren’t sure at the time about the seriousness of it,” Berube said.

Stolarz posted a 6-5-1 record in 13 appearances, posting an .884 save percentage and 3.51 goals against average. The veteran goaltender took on the majority of the Leafs’ workload with Joseph Woll starting the season away from the team on a personal leave of absence.

Berube also appeared to be optimistic about Auston Matthews’ recovery from a lower-body injury. Matthews was a full participant in Thursday’s skate, skating for the third consecutive day, but he will not play in Thursday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Berube did not provide a timeline for Matthews’ return, and it appears unlikely that he’ll suit up Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens.

“It’s good to see him out there with us. Just talking to him, he’s feeling a lot better and I thought he was shooting the puck a lot better, so that’s a good sign.”

Matthews recorded nine goals and 14 points in 17 games to start the season.

Toronto will enter Thursday’s game with an injury-depleted roster, but received some good news, as Scott Laughton will make his return to the lineup. Laughton hasn’t played since sustaining an injury against the Boston Bruins on November 8.