Keefe provides injury updates on Brodie, Matthews
Following a day off on Monday after back-to-back wins this weekend, the Leafs returned to practice today before their matchup Wednesday against the Nashville Predators. As practice got underway, there were a couple of notable absences.
Defenseman T.J. Brodie, who last played on Saturday against the Red Wings, is being placed on the injured reserve list for the second time this season. Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe updated the media after practice that Brodie has a rib injury and there is no timeline for his return. He did, however, note that it won't be anything "too long".
Although Brodie is a significant loss to the blue line, the Leafs have still found success in his absence, where they have yet to lose a game in regulation without him (10-0-3).
Another significant absence in practice was superstar forward Auston Matthews, who didn't skate Tuesday. As many expected, Keefe stated that Matthews was taking a maintenance day. However, Keefe also listed Matthews as questionable for tomorrow's game in Nashville, which is one of the primary reasons for the Bobby McMann recall. McMann may get to play in Nashville if Matthews can't go. He skated on a line with David Kampf and Alex Kerfoot at practice on Tuesday, indicating that Pierre Engvall could slide up into the top-six if Matthews ends up missing the game.
Keefe has not confirmed nor denied a minor injury to Matthews but seems to be taking the precautionary route claiming his non-participation as "nothing we're too concerned about at this point".
| POLL | ||
10 JANVIER | 37 ANSWERS Keefe provides injury updates on Brodie, Matthews Will Matthews play tomorrow against the Preds? | ||
| Yes | 26 | 70.3 % |
| No | 11 | 29.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
