The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing opposing injury news, with defender Timothy Liljegren returning to the team’s practice but Jake McCabe still sitting out. Liljegren took practice reps alongside Mark Giordano, although no update about his availability was provided. Liljegren was announced as “doubtful” for the team’s October 28th game before missing the match; a tag that may carry over to their Tuesday night game.
Liljegren is playing more than ever through eight games this season, averaging over 19 minutes of ice time a game – a step up from the 18 minutes he averaged last season. It’s a continuation of the gradual increase in ice time that Liljegren has seen in each of the last three seasons, speaking to his growing prowess. But despite the increased role, Liljegren has only managed one point through his eight games this year. Scoring has never been his forte, with Liljegren only netting 18 points through 67 games last year.
Liljegren will look to add to those scoring totals with an eventual return to action, while Toronto continues to wait for news of McCabe’s outlook.
Other injury news:
- Nico Hischier remains day-by-day with an upper-body injury after taking a high hit from Connor Clifton in New Jersey’s Friday night game. Clifton would receive a two-game suspension for the blindside hit. The team put added emphasis on calling Hischier, “day-by-day”, emphasizing their goal of staying patient with the recovery.
- Charlie Lindgren had an apparent injury during the Washington Capitals practice, leaving the ice to speak with a trainer after going down. Lindgren was assigned to injured reserve earlier in the season with an upper-body injury. Hunter Shepard operated as the team’s backup in Lindgren’s absence
- The Calgary Flames have sent Ilya Solovyov to the AHL. Solovyov appeared in two games for Calgary, going without a point and recording a -3. He’s appeared in four AHL games this season, netting two points and two penalty minutes.