The Leafs got a much-needed practice sighting, and it changes the conversation fast
Photo credit: Nick Barden - The Hockey News
In a surprise showing at practice, both William Nylander and Dakota Joshua were seen on the ice ahead of others as they look towards their eventual return.
On Saturday, the Maple Leafs got a great surprise when both William Nylander and Dakota Joshua were seen skating on the ice as they both look to return in due time after suffering injuries -- with Joshua being the most surprising:
Joshua suffered a lacerated kidney on Dec. 28 and had to spend time in Detroit for recovery before coming back to the team, meanwhile Nylander has a groin injury that was suffered after celebrating a goal vs. Vegas.
Craig Berube was hopeful that Nylander would get back on the ice and it seems he got his wish:
The big story here though is Joshua's time on the ice. It was just reported this week that he would likely be available after the Olympic break and while this is no guarantee that he will play before then; it's still a promising sign.
Nylander and Joshua's imminent return may not be enough
Though let's not take away from the fact that Nylander has been the best player on the team statistically this season and without him the team lacks a serious offensive punch and his absence in overtime is sorely missed.
Three of their last five games have gone into OT and while they did manage to get one win out of that, Nylander has scored three extra-time winners this season so it could have been a much different story.
Nylander has 48 points in 37 games (17 goals, 31 assists) meanwhile Joshua has 10 points in 36 games (6 goals, 4 assists).
Right now this feels like the only real positive to happen for the team lately, and even the return of Anthony Stolarz was overshadowed not only by Mitch Marner's return, but it brought questions about whether he was really ready or not.
Toronto has six more games before the Olympic break, and doesn't have the easiest competition going forward. If Nylander can make an appearance during the team's Western road trip and give the team a boost before the break then it could be enough to build up some momentum.
Though that's easier said than done and if the team doesn't turn things around it won't matter if Joshua and Nylander come back, because it's going to be too little too late.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 24|870 ANSWERS The Leafs got a much-needed practice sighting, and it changes the conversation fast Do you think Dakota Joshua and William Nylander will return before the Olympics? | ||
| Yes | 433 | 49.8 % |
| No | 437 | 50.2 % |
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