Jason Spezza
Spezza further cemented his status as a huge fan favorite when he sought out retribution on Neal Pionk, who’s extremely dirty hit put Rasmus Sandin out for several weeks.
Spezza got six games for his trouble, a completely stupid suspension that didn’t take into account that Pionk wouldn’t have gotten hit in the head if he wasn’t bending down to sweep the puck with his hand.
Injuries
I mentioned Sandin, and we’re lucky he isn’t gone longer. Mitch Marner is also out with a shoulder injury after colliding last Friday with Jake Muzzin in practice.
It’s no coincidence that the Leafs lost three of four with Marner out of the lineup. He’s somehow turned into the most underrated players on earth, which is not something I saw happening.
The hilarious debate about him being included on Team Canada is just too stupid for words – of course Marner should be on the team, and the fact that it’s even a debate is frustrating due to how obvious it is that Marner should be on the team.
Petr Mrazek returned last night.
Ilya Mikeyev is almost ready to return, and Travis Dermott has also not played this week.
Trade
The Toronto Maple Leafs capped off an eventful week by sending Kurtis Gabriel to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenseman and former second-rounder Krys Beach. Hilariously, some Leafs fans are so committed to hating Kyle Dubas that even with a first place team, a best-ever winning streak, people still found time to complain about getting a free second rounder for an enforcer with a zero percent chance of ever making the Toronto Maple Leafs roster.
Good times!
Upcoming Week
The upcoming week gives the Toronto Maple Leafs a really good chance to get back to their winning ways with a trip through Canada.
The Leafs will take on the Oilers, Flames, and Canucks, then head to Seattle next Sunday to play their first ever game against the Seattle Kraken.