Bad news for the Maple Leafs as forward appears missing from practice

Nick Paul was not on the ice for the Maple Leafs on Thursday as the newcomer is already dealing with an unidentified injury suffered against Ottawa on Wednesday.

Toronto had a much better showing from their 'A' squad against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night, trouncing their provincial rivals 6-1. It didn't come without a cost though, as new acquisition Nick Paul only played 4:42 before heading to the dressing room after the first period and not returning.

Jim Hiller mentioned after the game there was nothing too concerning but stopped short of saying what the injury could be or how long it may keep Paul out of the lineup.

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Nick Paul nowhere to be seen at Maple Leafs practice

But the Maple Leafs couldn't be feeling too good on Thursday as Paul was absent at practice, seemingly not only confirming Paul is hurt, but that it's bad enough to keep him off the ice:

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Paul, 30, was acquired this offseason in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning where the Maple Leafs sent young goaltender Dennis Hildeby to the Lightning in exchange for the veteran forward. He's looked good so far in camp alongside Easton Cowan and Colton Sissons, and losing him is a tough spot for Toronto to be in.

Forward Steven Lorentz was also absent at practice, meanwhile Dakota Joshua - who had been nursing a core injury - returned as the extra skater. Though we now know that Lorentz is going to be waived; that explains his absence.

What an injured Nick Paul means for the Maple Leafs

First off, it's bad news right away Paul was brought in as a means to give Auston Matthews less of a PK role, and his ability to play everywhere on the ice was a vital asset.

While Jim Hiller says it's nothing serious, there are only five days left until the season opens up so if there's anything truly bothering him then he needs to get it looked at ASAP. Paul was also finding some serious chemistry with Easton Cowan, so losing that early on is detrimental to the young forward's growth too.

With the Maple Leafs waiving Lorentz they are already going to be down a bottom-six replacement if Paul is out longer than a couple days, though the team also has a boatload of fringe players who would be able to slide in for Paul as well.

There's going to need to be an update and we can only really hope for the best that Paul's injury isn't serious, but for now it's not a good start for the Maple Leafs as they try to head towards a more competitive 2026-27 season.

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