The Toronto Maple Leafs released an injury update on Monday, November 14th. There was no good news for the team’s defense.
Defenseman Jake Muzzin will remain on long-term injured reserve indefinitely. He is suffering from a cervical spine injury and will get re-evaluated in late February. The most important thing for Muzzin right now is to get the help he needs so he can live a long healthy life with his family. His hockey career could be over, but that comes secondary to health and family.
T.J. Brodie is on injured reserve with an oblique injury. The defenseman got scratched on Saturday night for the Toronto Maple Leafs game against the Vancouver Canucks without any explanation. A return date is not available yet.
The good news for Toronto is Timothy Liljegren, and Jordie Benn are healthy and able to play. Liljegren returned on Saturday, November 2nd, against the Boston Bruins. Benn returned on Saturday, November 12th, against the Vancouver Canucks in Brodie’s absence.
More Toronto Maple Leafs Injury News
Goaltender Matt Murray got cleared to return before Saturday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks, but the Toronto Maple Leafs wanted to give him a bit more time. He has been on LTIR since October 13th with an adductor (groin) injury. Murray might get his second start of the season on Tuesday, November 15th, against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ilya Samsonov remains on injured reserve but could return from his knee injury within a week. Samsonov suffered his knee injury on November 2nd against the Boston Bruins. The Toronto Maple Leafs listed him as week-to-week, and we are approaching two weeks since the injury happened. Hopefully, he will be able to return by the time Toronto has a set of back-to-back games on November 25th and 26th.
Forward Kyle Clifford took part in practice on Monday. He has been out since October 24th and on injured reserve since October 26th with a shoulder injury. Clifford wore a white jersey during Monday’s practice and could be in the lineup on Tuesday against the Penguins.
The injury bug has not been kind to the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. Hopefully, Murray and Samsonov can solidify Toronto’s net and stay healthy. Muzzin’s career is likely over, and it’s a shame for it to end the way that it has. Thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.