Kirill Marchenko updated everyone on his injury status in the weirdest way possible, simply telling some fans about it after bumping into them in the airport.
Typically, NHL teams are really doing their best to let any injury news not get out unless they want it to. There's obviously a competitive advantage in knowing what weak spots to target, and it's better to give less information than more - just in case.
The Maple Leafs are notorious for being a team who keeps their cards close to their chest; often to the dismay of their fans.
They have a hard time with transparency and we're often left in the dark as to when players will return or even the extent of the injury.
Marchenko's injury update came out of genuinely nowhere
But no one told Kirill Marchenko that.
The Maple Leafs forward suffered a lower-body injury against the Calgary Flames and needed to leave the game, and many speculated about the extent of his injury and how long he'd be out for.
Well, Marchenko just gave everyone a personal update and he did it in an unbelievable set of circumstances:
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A few Leafs fans walking through the airport somehow managed to bump into the star forward, and while also snapping a pic with the Leafs winger, also let them know his return date is in two weeks - bypassing any official Toronto protocol.
Marchenko's return comes when Toronto needs him most
If Marchenko is to be believed (and why wouldn't he be?) then it's a huge break for the Maple Leafs as they avoid any serious setbacks and will only be without Marchenko for a handful of games, as opposed to a few weeks.
It also means that Toronto gets one of their most dominant players back at a time when they will need him most. November is a stacked month with 13 games including a stretch where they play five games in eight days as part of a six-game homestand.
Going off a two-week timeline, that would put Marchenko returning around Nov. 9th - just as Toronto has a three-game slate against Colorado, Minnesota, and Edmonton who are three powerhouses.
It would be great if he came back before then and if the Maple Leafs new Sport Performance staff can end up getting him recovering quicker then Toronto is in good hands.
But for the Russian forward, he let the cat out of the bag early but it's nice to get some information considering it's like pulling teeth otherwise.
Do you think Kirill Marchenko will return to the Maple Leafs in two weeks?
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