More Injury Trouble for the Leafs as Another Forward Leaves Game in Florida and Does Not Return

The Leafs are on the cusp of getting back two pretty important players as Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies appear to have made great progress towards a return as early as this weekend.

Matthews had been sidelined with a mysterious upper-body injury, which resulted in a trip to Germany for treatment.

Meanwhile, Knies was recently steamrolled by Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud, who drilled Knies in the head just a week ago, resulting in what many were concerned was a concussion. Thankfully, he made significant strides towards a return during practice on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, just when everyone thought the Leafs were inching their way towards a healthier roster, the injury bug has bitten them once again, this time in Wednesday's game against the Florida Panthers.

After losing a skate blade earlier in the evening, having to hobble off to the bench on one foot, when Bobby McMann hobbled his way to the bench a second time, many had assumed that it was for a similar reason, relating to some sort of an equipment issue. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

The Leafs' official PR account on X has confirmed that McMann did indeed suffer a lower-body injury on Wednesday and was unable to return to the game against the Panthers.

Heading into Wednesday's game in Florida, the Leafs have been red hot, going on a 7-1 run in the absence of Matthews. The hope is that, if they are forced to play without McMann as well, the team can find a way to continue winning.

McMann was a part of a very effective first line for the Maple Leafs in Matthews' absence, which featured McMann, John Tavares and Mitch Marner.