Toronto Maple Leafs: How injuries will impact playoff challenge

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are in free fall and desperately need help, but where will they receive a boost to get their playoff challenge back on track?

It’s fair to say the Toronto Maple Leafs have been extremely inconsistent during the last two months. Over their last 22 games they have a record of 10-9-3, resulting in just 23 out of a possible 44 points.

However, the alarm bells are really beginning to ring for Leafs fans now, after a disastrous West Coast road trip. To only come away with one point against the three teams at the bottom of the Western Conference is justified cause for concern.

This concern was only made worse by Auston Matthews‘ confession following the road trip out West. As reported by Rick Zamperin of Global News, Matthews said:

“I think we’re kind of, you know, one foot in the door, one foot out as far as the way we want to play. And I think we just all need to be 100 percent in.”

Certainly, this is a startling admission. If the team isn’t all-in at this stage of the season and knowing full well what’s at stake, when will they ever be?

Objectively speaking, the Leafs are still in a good position to make the playoffs despite their recent form. They hold a three-point lead over the Florida Panthers, the only realistic challenger for third place in the Atlantic Division, entering Monday night’s slate of games, and the final regular-season contest between the two teams will take place at the Scotiabank Arena.

However, this doesn’t mean the Leafs couldn’t use some extra help to secure a precious playoff spot. The question is, what?

We know this team can score. That much is evident by having scored the third-most goals in the NHL entering Monday night’s action.

Where the Buds really need to toughen up is defensively, having allowed the fourth-most goals in the league at the time of writing. While it wouldn’t take much to improve a poor situation help is on the way, at least theoretically.

The main priority

More specifically, we’re referring to Morgan Rielly and Jake Muzzin, who are both currently out with injuries. So when should we expect them back and will it be soon enough to boost the Leafs, with just 13 games remaining?

Starting with Rielly, he has been out since Jan. 12, when he suffered a foot fracture and was ruled out for around eight weeks. The Leafs need him and his team-leading average ice time back in the lineup as soon as possible.

Prior to his foot injury, no one will deny 25-year-old had taken a step back from last season. During the 2018-19 campaign, he set career highs for goals, assists and plus/minus rating, which resulted in him contending for the Norris trophy.

However, despite not performing as consistently this season, Rielly is still an excellent player who shores up the blue line. So when can the Leafs actually expect him to return?

There was some hope last Monday, when the 2012 fifth overall draft pick was on the ice for practice. At the time, as per TSN, Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said he was hoping his defenceman would be back in the lineup this week.

In line with this, Keefe was aiming to update Rielly’s injury status to day-to-day by this week. At the time of writing, TSN‘s Bob McKenzie reports he should be back in action some time between Mar. 10-24.

We entirely understand the Leafs’ decision to be cautious with the Vancouver, British Columbia, as they want to make sure he’s healthy for the playoffs. (A few days prior to his foot fracture, it was revealed Rielly had been playing through an undisclosed injury for the majority of this season.) At the same time, if he doesn’t return soon, the playoffs may not even be an option.

Quality top-six blue liner

Things were looking good for Muzzin, having just signed a four-year contract extension with the Leafs. Then disaster struck effectively just 24 hours later.

The 31-year-old blocked a shot during the second period of a game against the Tampa Bay Lightening and had to leave the ice. Shortly after, the Leafs confirmed the defenceman would not return to the contest.

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The team’s worst fears were realised the following day, when it was confirmed Muzzin had broken his hand. As a result, he was ruled out for approximately four weeks.

Make no mistake about it, the 31-year-old is a key member of Toronto’s top-six. He has the durability to log big minutes, is comfortable with the puck and provides decent offence.

What’s concerning is how much longer Muzzin is projected to be out of the lineup. If the original four-week timeline is accurate, he will only return for the final six games of the regular basis.

Overall, there is no denying the Leafs will be in a much stronger position with both Rielly and Muzzin back in the lineup, which would in turn help come playoff time. The latter in particular would be helpful in terms of his postseason experience, having been a key component for the Los Angeles Kings’ run to Stanley Cup glory in 2013-14.

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However, it is important that Rielly does return to the lineup some time this week or next week at the latest. Under this scenario, Muzzin would also provide a timely boost ahead of the playoffs when he gets back on the ice.

How concerned are you about the Toronto Maple Leafs’ form of late? Are you convinced they will still qualify for the playoffs regardless, or do you believe they need Rielly and Muzzin back asap? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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