Major lineup obstacle emerges with Calle Jarnkrok's incoming return

The Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled to stay healthy down the stretch here, with players like Mitch Marner and Calle Jarnkrok being out some time with injury. Jarnkrok has been out with a hand injury after crashing into the boards a few weeks ago. Last night, they saw the return of defenseman Morgan Reilly, which was great for the blue line.

Now, the Leafs will have to make some serious decisions ahead of the postseason as Jarnkrok and Marner both get set to make a potential return. With Nick Robertson in the lineup, the Leafs simply don't have enough roster spots for all players if Jarnkrok were to come off the LTIR. However, the Leafs could elect to keep Jarnkrok on the injured reserve list until the playoffs begin, otherwise, they would have to send either Knies or Robertson to the AHL on a purely paper transaction that would not be a fan favourite move.

The Leafs have always struggled with depth scoring in the playoffs. Jarnkrok is a skilled forward who can play up and down the lineup, however, if you look at the scoring pace and even production in the playoffs, it may be more beneficial for the Leafs to go with Knies and Robertson. Knies had 4 points in 7 playoff games last year before getting hurt, and that was his first taste of NHL hockey. Robertson was able to record a goal in 4 appearances he had in 2019-2020 season.

It will be an interesting decision for Sheldon Keefe and Brad Treliving to make, however, the Leafs should be poised to look a little sharper than they did last night with Mitch Marner's impending return. One thing is clear, the Leafs looked a whole lot tougher against the Lightning last night, with Reaves taking down Jeannot in a huge tilt.

As seen on Maple Leafs Daily - The Toronto Maple Leafs may be forced to make roster moves they do not want to make once Calle Jarnkrok is cleared to return to game action.