Toronto Maple Leafs Insider Shares Upsetting Update Regarding Calle Jarnkrok's Injury Status

Calle Jarnkrok was supposed to bring a gritty, veteran style of play to Craig Berube and the Toronto Maple Leafs which would synergize perfectly together, however, the forward has been out since the beginning of the season dealing with a nagging lower-body injury and landed himself on the injured reserve. Toronto has succeeded in his absence however his return will no doubt be a boost for the Maple Leafs' bottom-six which has struggled as of late.

According to Jonas Siegel of The Athletic and Maple Leafs Insider, the return of Jarnkrok is unfortunately not close, with no real update as to a timeline for him. In his article 'The Chris Tanev question and John Tavares' shrinking role: Monday Morning Leafs Report', Siegel said bluntly of Jarnkrok's status:

Jarnkrok's return would give Toronto another defensive weapon as well as the potential to score 15-20 goals, however it will be interesting to see where he slots in. Coach Craig Berube could use Jarnkrok to slide in on the third line with Nick Robertson and Max Pacioretty or slide him into the fourth line with Steven Lorentz and David Kampf. He would replace Pontus Holmberg who hasn't done much this season but could easily swap in and out of lineup depending on the situation.

For his career, Jarnkrok has 136 goals and 165 assists in 699 career games. Since being drafted by Detroit 51st overall in 2010, he's made a solid career for himself over his 11 years in the NHL. Never playing for the Red Wings, he instead suited up for Nashville for the first eight years of his career before heading to Calgary then Seattle in 2021-22. Coming to Toronto in 2022-2023, he's played solid for Toronto including a 20-goal season in his first season with the Leafs. Known more for his defense, Jarnkrok has cemented himself as a solid role player who could fit in any lineup on the bottom six and if he can play elite defense then Toronto could have a big advantage come playoff time.

Unfortunately, Jarnkrok won't be returning from injury anytime soon, but when he does return it'll be when he's in top shape and ready to be part of Toronto's ever-growing arsenal of weapons.