Leafs confirm injury to a top-six forward
Prior to puck drop last night, it was revealed Tyler Bertuzzi was a bit under the weather and would be a game-time decision. Bertuzzi ended up playing, but was shuffled down the lineup in favour of Calle Jarnkrok sliding into a top six role following the first period.
After the game, Sheldon Keefe confirmed that not only was Bertuzzi not feeling well, but he is also dealing with a nagging injury. Keefe did not elaborate on the type of injury, but did reveal that Bertuzzi may need a game or two off.
"Bert's playing less than 100 percent right now. It's very clear from the pace of the game, the physicality and competitiveness of the game and the difficulty of the matchups, whoever was going to play with Auston (Matthews and Mitch (Marner) needed a lot and I thought lightening his load was beneficial to him." - Keefe on Bertuzzi.
Given Bertuzzi's injury history, it isn't a surprise that he will have to miss a game or two to let some bumps and bruise recover. It is surprising that it has to happen just 4 games into the season, though. Bertuzzi played in just 50 games last season between the Wings and Bruins due to injury, scoring just 8 times and registering 30 points.
With limited cap space and the ability to carry just 21 players, the Leafs would have to send down Simon Benoit in order to recall a forward if they don't want to go 11F/7D. Depending on how Sheldon Keefe wants to set up his lineup, we could see Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson or Pontus Holmberg recalled for a pair of games while Bertuzzi is sidelined. It won't take long for us to find out given that the Leafs have a game against Tampa on Saturday.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 20 | 213 ANSWERS Leafs confirm injury to a top-six forward Who should play in Tyler Bertuzzi's spot on the Leafs' top line if he needs a few games off? | ||
| Matthew Knies | 116 | 54.5 % |
| Calle Jarnkrok | 24 | 11.3 % |
| Max Domi | 59 | 27.7 % |
| Other | 14 | 6.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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