Slowly but surely, the Leafs are getting healthier.
That said, there’s no question that there are lingering concerns when it comes to Jani Hakanpaa. On Monday morning, the 32-year-old blueliner was placed on injured reserve with what Craig Berube labelled as knee management. We’ll see how this plays out, but indisputably, there has to be some level of concern seeing as Hakanpaa has only dressed for two games thus far.
Nevertheless, that’s where the conversation started on the Monday edition of Leafs Morning Take.
Of course, Toronto’s back home after a Florida split. On Saturday night, they smothered Tampa 5-3. Auston Matthews had two apples in his return to the lineup while Matthew Knies, who also returned, notched one goal and one assist. Meantime, Joseph Woll was rock steady making 38 saves for his fifth consecutive victory. Additionally, Chris Tanev scored his first as a Leaf and Nick Robertson ended a nasty 12 game goalless drought. It was another well-rounded effort for Craig Berube’s bunch.
Speaking of which, Jake McCabe was forced to leave the game after taking a puck to the face. It doesn’t sound like it’s anything too serious. Having said that, McCabe won’t play tonight when the Leafs host Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks. Phil Myers will draw in. Meantime, Anthony Stolarz will get the call in between the pipes. This one’s the start of four games in six days for the Maple Leafs.
At any rate, David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period will fill in as co-host for Jay Rosehill on the Tuesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. In addition to talking about some trade targets for Toronto, we’ll recap the Chicago game and give our thoughts on that.
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