The Toronto Maple Leafs may have to begin the season with one of their biggest off-season acquisitions on the sidelines.
Defenceman Jeff Finger, who has only played one pre-season game, will likely miss the first week of the season as a foot injury is taking longer to heal than originally expected.
The 28-year old, who signed a four year deal worth $14 million with the Leafs in the summer, suffered the injury in the Maple Leafs pre-season opening game against the Sabres.
The loss of Finger could means that there is at least a temporary opening on the Leafs blue line. There has been speculation that 18-year old Luke Schenn, who has been extremely impressive in his first ever professional training camp, may hold the inside track for that spot, however head coach Ron Wilson stressed that the status of Finger's injury will not affect the rookie's chance of making the team.
Toronto has three pre-season games remaining before they open the season in Detroit against the defending Stanley Cup champion Red Wings on October 9th.