Toronto Maple Leafs: How injuries will impact playoff challenge

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.