The Leafs just got another injury update, and it could bring a forgotten forward back into play
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs got some more good news on the injury front, as Dakota Joshua could be back this season after a seriously scary incident.
With all the injuries that the Maple Leafs have dealt with this season, the one that seems to have been forgotten is that of Dakota Joshua's. In what was an inconspicuous injury ended up being a very serious incident.
A lacerated kidney was the cause for concern and with things potentially going from bad to worse depending on the situation; it was a very disheartening time for the Maple Leafs and their fans.
But with news that Anthony Stolarz is set to return after two months, avoiding catastrophe with more defensive injuries, and holding out until William Nylander returns; it's not as bad as it could be.
Dakota Joshua on the mend as he eyes late season return
And things might get even better as a new report shows that Joshua is working his way back and could begin skating shortly as he eyes a return this season.
According to The Leafs Nation's Nick Alberga, Joshua could begin skating and looks at the post-Olympic break to make his comeback:
More positive news on the Leafs injury front.
Hearing Dakota Joshua could start skating again before the Olympic break as he works his way back from a lacerated kidney.
Hearing Dakota Joshua could start skating again before the Olympic break as he works his way back from a lacerated kidney.
Joshua was playing some of his best hockey this year before going down and his presence on the ice is missed even if the Maple Leafs have done fairly well all things considered.
Toronto could use as much reinforcement as possible
With a tough postseason push staring them in the face, having Joshua back in the fold would be a great boost. He would be an improvement offensively and physically over Calle Jarnkrok -- who could be expendable.
But the team is always one weird hit or one goal celebration away from hurting themselves so the team has to make sure they have Joshua healthy and able to contribute if others go down.
Joshua, who was acquired this past offseason for a fourth-round pick, has 10 points in 36 games (6 goals, 4 assists) to go along with 26 blocks and 127 hits in only 12:19 TOI.
They need to not rush him back even if he's feeling much better and make sure that his body is able to respond to the rigorous schedule ahead.
Though it's a great sign that Joshua is working towards a return, and hopefully he's able to come back to a team in the thick of the playoff race and not returning when it's too little, too late.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Brad Treliving didn't seem pleased with how the Rasmus Andersson trade played out
Brad Treliving didn't seem pleased with how the Rasmus Andersson trade played out