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Toronto Maple Leafs Injury Update Heading into NHL Playoffs

By Mike Jack

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 17: Michael Bunting #58 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 17, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Penguins 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 17: Michael Bunting #58 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 17, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Penguins 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs, Ondrej Kase
Mar 17, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ondrej Kase (25) . Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

The Toronto Maple Leafs currently have a few players on the mend as the team prepares for the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

When John Tavares and Jake Muzzin went down with injuries during last year’s playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs took a nosedive from the North Division’s top seed to a first round exit.

This year feels different as the   Leafs have built a roster surrounded by organizational depth that has continued to win games throughout the season despite injuries to key players along the way like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Jake Muzzin and Jack Campbell.

Despite their depth, they may need all hands on deck to stand a chance against their first round opponent, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion, Tampa Bay Lightning.

Here’s a slideshow update on the Leaf injury front at each position, and the likelihood that we’ll see each player during the playoffs:

Toronto Maple Leafs Injuries – Forwards

Michael Bunting

Michael Bunting has been out of the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup since April 23rd when he suffered an undisclosed injury during the Leafs 3-2 overtime loss to the league leading Florida Panthers.

Though the injury is “undisclosed” is seems like Bunting hurt his right leg after awkwardly twisting it while falling into the end boards.  Bunting was seen shaking out his right leg as he skated to the bench on his own power.

Bunting resumed skating on Tuesday, and according to Sheldon Keefe, he’ll remain out of the lineup for the Toronto Maple Leafs final game of the NHL regular season against the Boston Bruins.

Michael Bunting is obviously a huge part of the Toronto Maple Leafs playing on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.  I’d expect him to suit up for Game 1 of Toronto’s first round series against the reigning two-time champs, the Tampa Lightning, even if he’s not 100% healthy.

Ondřej Kaše

The Toronto Maple Leafs nominee for the Bill Masterton trophy, Ondřej Kaše has been on the LTIR since March 19th with his fifth documented concussion after receiving a hit to the head by Nashville Predators forward, Matt Duchene.

It was a real tough break for Kaše who was enjoying one of the NHL’s greatest comeback stories this season after only playing in three games last season due to injury while a member of the Boston Bruins.

Kaše is currently listed as day-to-day, but there is also not timeline on his return.  He has been skating and pushing himself for a playoff return, but he wont be cleared to play until team doctors feel he’s at 100%.

Many fans felt Ondřej Kaše would retire after his concussion last season, and if he returns too soon, his next concussion may be his last.  After missing over a month of hockey, and Kaše expressing his readiness, I feel that there’s a good chance he’ll return for the playoffs, but I can’t guarantee that it’ll be for Game 1.

Rodion Amirov

Diagnosed with a brain tumor in February, Rodion Amirov is about to start his second round of chemotherapy.  He has been skating and some reports say he could return before the end of May, which is great news, but he obviously isn’t on the radar until at least next season.

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