The Maple Leafs held an optional skate at Ford Performance Centre on Friday.
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It looks like the Toronto Maple Leafs may have received some good news on the injury front.
Head coach Craig Berube told reporters on Friday that defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s injury doesn’t appear to be as serious as initially thought.
“Not bad,” Berube said. “I think tomorrow we’ll know. Hopefully, he can get on the ice and see how it feels. That’s what we’re hoping.”
San Jose Sharks forward Adam Gaudette lost his balance and fell onto the left foot of Oliver Ekman-Larsson while the pair circled the Leafs’ net together during a shift early in the third period of Thursday’s game at Scotiabank Arena.
Ekman-Larsson did not put any weight on his left leg as he left the ice and needed help getting to the dressing room.
The Maple Leafs host the Oilers on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena.
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Joseph Woll is closing in on a return from his lower-body injury suffered in Carolina on Nov. 4.
Woll is eligible to return from injured reserve on Saturday, but is not expected to back up Dennis Hildeby. Woll could be ready to return to the lineup on Tuesday when the Maple Leafs host the Chicago Blackhawks.
“Every day feeling a little better and better, so happy to be back on the ice,” Woll told reporters on Friday.
Woll was asked if playing eight games in 19 days led to the injury.
“It was just something that happened, stuff happens. I felt confident that I was doing everything from my part, and it seems like each time something happens, you learn something. Just happy it’s nothing too major,” Woll said.
“He won’t play tomorrow but if he keeps progressing the right way here like he has been, I think he possibly could be ready soon,” said Berube.
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The news isn’t as encouraging for fellow goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who last played a game on Nov. 11. He left the game against the Boston Bruins after 20 minutes of play because of an upper-body injury.
Stolarz hasn’t taken part in on-ice activities since the injury, and Berube was asked if there is a plan for him to return to the ice.
“Right now, no,” said Berube.
Could his season be in jeopardy?
“I wouldn’t go there,” said Berube. “But he’s not going to be on the ice anytime soon.”
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The Maple Leafs provided an update on defenceman Brandon Carlo, who last played on Nov. 13 against the Los Angeles Kings.
The blueliner had foot surgery on Dec. 3, and there is no timetable for his return.
“At some point, he’ll be able to get out on the ice and skate,” said Berube. “I don’t know that timeline, right now.”
Defenceman Chris Tanev skated in a red non-contact jersey on Friday. Tanev has been out with an upper-body injury since Nov. 1.
“(Tanev) got his imaging,” said Berube. “He’s getting a second opinion, which we’ll get here soon. And then we’ll see what the decision is.”
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Forward Bobby McMann spoke to the media for the first time since he was suspended for one game by the NHL for high-sticking.
McMann was assessed a match penalty for high-sticking Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand during the third period of the Leafs’ 2-0 win on Monday.
“There was nothing malicious about it,” said McMann. “I was never trying to injure anybody. Luckily, nobody was hurt. You get into those battles, and things kind of escalate sometimes. There was no intent to do anything.”
“I was surprised (to get the penalty),” McMann added. “I hung out on the ice for a while. I wasn’t really sure that would be me (getting a penalty).”
McMann, a native of Wainwright, Alta., will return to the lineup Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers.
“A lot of people back home watch the Oilers, and a few more eyeballs on it when they play the Leafs,” said McMann.
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As the practice session was coming to an end, defenceman Philippe Myers took a slap shot that went through the pane of glass and landed a few feet in front of a wall.
News spread fast in the locker room as Auston Matthews was quick to take a look at the scene while taking out his phone for photos.
“That guy is shredded,” said Woll. “He can shoot the puck pretty good. Not a fun one to stand behind.”
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