It was an eventful first day back for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who resumed practice after the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
Calle Jarnkrok returned to practice Tuesday. Jarnkrok has been on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) for the entire season, and underwent groin and sports hernia surgery in November. Jarnkrok was placed on a makeshift top line featuring Matthew Knies and Alex Steeves, as Steeves was called up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old recorded 10 goals and 21 points in 51 games during the 2023-24 season and started training camp on a line with Max Domi and William Nylander.
“He looked fine, he’s really coming along,” Berube said of Jarnkrok via Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun. “Great to have him out there. He needs time. He needs time to practice with us, and work and see where he’s at, make sure he’s feeling good.”
Steeves has recorded 29 goals and 46 points in 40 games with the Marlies, and could find an extended place in the lineup if his current form continues. The 25-year-old previously played in four games with the Maple Leafs this season, but was held without a point. He previously broke the Marlies’ all-time goals on February 7 and set the Marlies’ franchise record for points on December 7.
Jani Hakanpaa also participated in Tuesday’s practice. Hakanpaa was ruled out of the 4 Nations Face-Off, after initially being named to Team Finland’s roster. He has played in two games for the Maple Leafs, but hasn’t been able to return to action since facing off against the Edmonton Oilers on November 16.
Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander were exempt from Tuesday’s session. Nylander and Team Sweden were eliminated Monday, while Matthews and Marner will square off in Thursday’s final between Team USA and Team Canada. Matthews missed Monday’s game against Team Sweden with an upper-body injury, but it was a precautionary measure.
Toronto resumes its schedule Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes, and Matthews, Marner and Nylander’s return to the lineup will surely impact the lines as currently presented. Maple Leafs head coach said that it’ll be up to Nylander, whether he wants to participate in practice immediately upon returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off, via David Alter of The Hockey News.
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