Darren Dreger Shares Crucial Injury Updates on Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe Ahead of Playoffs
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NHL Insider Darren Dreger shared a huge update regarding the status of both Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson and when they are expected to return.
With the playoffs set to start next weekend for the Maple Leafs, they are going to need their injured players at full health given that they are going to have a tough time with whoever they face. No team is a given in the postseason, and having the best team possible is really the only chance at success.
There's a distinct possibility that the Maple Leafs won't have Jake McCabe or Oliver Ekman-Larsson for the rest of the season as they deal with injuries and would more than likely just rest and heal up given the team has already locked up a playoff spot and home-ice advantage.
While that's all fine and dandy for the regular season, the playoffs are only a week away and if they can't get healthy in time for that, the Leafs are going to be in big trouble.
Which is why it's a huge relief to hear that they may be just fine in time for Game One.
According to NHL Insider Darren Dreger, the Maple Leafs defensemen aren't dealing with anything serious, and their absence is more likely due to resting them ahead of the playoffs than anything to be concerned about.
Dreger states:
Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are both considered day-to-day, and it doesn't sound like there's anything serious going on.
Ideally, both would be healthy and in the lineup, but with some time before the playoffs, the team is making use of it. It also gives other players a chance to step up - for example, a player like Morgan Rielly, who had a great game against Carolina.
Even though the team was largely understaffed in that game, there were still some bright spots. There's no real sense that either McCabe or OEL are dealing with anything that would put Game 1 of the playoffs in jeopardy.
So while the Leafs may deal with a bit of adversity for a game or two, it's not viewed as a major concern.
Ideally, both would be healthy and in the lineup, but with some time before the playoffs, the team is making use of it. It also gives other players a chance to step up - for example, a player like Morgan Rielly, who had a great game against Carolina.
Even though the team was largely understaffed in that game, there were still some bright spots. There's no real sense that either McCabe or OEL are dealing with anything that would put Game 1 of the playoffs in jeopardy.
So while the Leafs may deal with a bit of adversity for a game or two, it's not viewed as a major concern.
That is a big boost ahead of Toronto's first round series, and thankfully it's nothing serious even if both men are considered 'day-to-day'; which as often been the bearer of bad news regarding a Maple Leafs injury.
McCabe has been a huge bright spot for the team this season, and his pairing with Chris Tanev has revamped the team's defense under Craig Berube.
Signing an extension earlier this season, McCabe has 23 points in 66 games to go along with 135 blocks, 118 hits and a plus-23 rating.
Ekman-Larsson signed with the team this past offseason to a four-year deal, and has been solid in his debut season with the Leafs.
In 77 games, he has 29 points (4G, 25A) while adding 83 blocks, 108 hits, and a plus-14 rating while skating in 21:04; the most minutes he's played since 2021-22.
Thank goodness that nothing too serious is going on with either McCabe or Ekman-Larsson and their return is more a case of when, not if.
Which spells some seriously good news for the Maple Leafs come playoff time, and might be the reason they make that Stanley Cup run that has eluded them for years.