Goalie crisis: Injuries at the NHL, AHL and ECHL levels could cause problems for the Leafs
Just when you thought the Leafs were getting healthy between the pipes, all hell has broken loose. Petr Mrazek left midway through Tuesday's game vs Boston with a groin injury that, according to Keefe, will keep him out "for a while".
As if that wasn't bad enough news with Jack Campbell still sidelined, both Marlies goalies, Keith Petruzzelli and Michael Hutchison were not available for their game tonight. All of this on top of Woll leaving a Marlies game recently with an apparent shoulder injury, which necessitated the team calling up Petruzzelli from the ECHL's Newfoundland Growlers.
With all of this going on, the Marlies were forced to sign Tavin Grant and Talor Joseph to amateur tryout contracts to field 2 goalies.
That leaves the Leafs with all but 1 goalie with NHL experience in Erik Kallgren. Sure, Campbell is scheduled to return likely this week at some point, but it would not be wise for the Leafs to thrust him into starting after only having 1 full skate with the Leafs after multiple weeks off with minimal skating. Should the Leafs rush Campbell back into the net, it could re-aggravate his rib injury and that's the last thing the Leafs need right before the playoffs.
It will be an interesting few days in Leafland as they attempt to get some clarity on injuries to Hutchison, Petruzzelli and more importantly Mrazek.
Will the Leafs be forced to recall Carter Hutton from his loan to the AHL's Tuscon Roadrunners? It might be the only option if the Leafs don't get some good news tomorrow regarding one or two of their injured goaltenders.
| POLL | ||
MARS 30 | 447 ANSWERS Goalie crisis: Injuries at the NHL, AHL and ECHL levels could cause problems for the Leafs Will Jack Campbell be good to go on Thursday? | ||
| Yes, put him in, coach! | 52 | 11.6 % |
| No, don't rush him. | 241 | 53.9 % |
| Maybe just have him play backup to Kallgren for a | 154 | 34.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
