Maple Leafs' Mark Giordano to Miss Game Against Kraken With Hand Injury, Possibly More, And How They Will Adjust Without Him

Originally posted on Toronto Maple Leafs on SI
By David Alter | Last updated Nov 29, 2023 1:48 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without the services of Mark Giordano for their game on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken and possibly more as they await test results to determine the full extent of the defenseman's injury.

"He's out for tomorrow for sure and beyond that we don't know the extent of it quite yet."

Giordano blocked a shot in the first period off Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad in the first period of the team's 2-1 shootout victory against the Florida Panthers and did not return. The play led to Florida's only goal from Kevin Stenlund

The shuffling of Toronto's defense after the injury forced Morgan Rielly to log 30:30 of ice time, the most he's played in a regular season game since 2019.

The Maple Leafs held an optional skate at Ford Performance Centre instead of their originally scheduled practice.

How will the Maple Leafs align defensively without Giordano?

The club is still figuring out how to align their defense without Giordano, John Klingberg (hip) and Timothy Liljegren (ankle).

"We were already asking a lot of him and asking a lot of others too," Keefe said. "It'll be even more so now. It's an opportunity for others to step up on defense and even more reason for our forwards to really support our defense."

The 40-year-old Giordano started the season on the team's third defense pair. Similar to last season, he was asked to move up the lineup as injuries to the position took hold.

The one constant that has held on the blue line for Toronto is Rielly paring up with TJ Brodie on the top pair.

Keefe appears hesitant to want to split up the duo despite the rash of injuries.

"Generally speaking that's one pair we've come to rely upon and we're going to need that just to have a group and settle things down for us," Keefe said.

Lagesson back in the lineup

Toronto has had to rely on defensemen Simon Benoit and William Lagesson in the wake of injuries. Both signed to the league minimum by the Leafs in the offseason, they've seen their workload increase.

Benoit, in particular, has found a niche on the Leafs with his penalty kill and shot- blocking capabilities. He blocked three shots in Toronto's win on Tuesday.

"I'm just trying to keep everything simple and taking my spot," Benoit said on Wednesday.

The defenseman played in 78 games with the Anaheim Ducks last year. His training camp got off to a rocky start due to back spasms.

Lagesson will enter the lineup on Thursday after he was a healthy scratch on Tuesday. He has averaged 14:30 of ice time in 12 games this season.