Unfortunately, those aren't the only two absences from training camp on the Leafs' blueline. The Leafs have also opened on ice sessions without Jake Muzzin, who is reportedly sidelined due to some discomfort in his back.
Muzzin has missed significant time during his tenure as a Leaf, including a couple of stints on IR last season due to having suffered a pair of concussions less than two months apart. In addition, Muzzin has also dealt with hip, back and knee issues in recent years.
Muzzin's absence on Thursday does come as a bit of a surprise, considering that just Wednesday, he had spoken with the media and revealed that he felt like a new man. At this point, the Leafs do expect Muzzin back next week, so perhaps the issue is, in fact, a minor one and we could see Muzzin back next week as expected. If not, the Leafs' blueline depth will be tested even more.
POLL | ||
22 SEPTEMBRE | 237 ANSWERS Yet another Leafs defender absent from training camp on Thursday How many games will Jake Muzzin play for the Leafs this season? | ||
All 82 | 19 | 8 % |
60-81 | 45 | 19 % |
40-59 | 79 | 33.3 % |
Less than 40 | 94 | 39.7 % |
List of polls |