Confirmed deal : Toronto Maple Leafs Duo Return From Injuries

 

The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting a boost for their game on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. Mitch Marner and Anthony Stolarz officially return to the lineup. Marner missed one game during his absence. It was to treat a lower-body injury following Saturday’s 4-3 win against the Edmonton Oilers. However, according to head coach Craig Berube, Marner’s brief leave has come to an end.

In addition to this news, Stolarz is set to be the starting goaltender for the Maple Leafs against the Kraken, per Berube. Stolarz hasn’t played since Dec. 12. He was forced out of the game after one period against his former team, the Anaheim Ducks. His last full start was against the New Jersey Devils, his hometown team. It was a stellar performance by the goaltender, who stopped 39 of 40 shots in a 2-1 victory for Toronto. The Leafs were out-shot 17-39 in that contest. Stolarz gets the starter’s net for the first time in almost two months.

 

Getting Marner and Stolarz back are huge additions to the team. Although Marner only missed one game, it’s important for the Leafs to play their full lineup. They have dealt with the injury bug all season long. At different moments of the season, the Leafs have missed Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Joseph Woll.

 

 

Marner’s injury was undisclosed, despite the team announcing it as a lower-body injury. His teammates and coach were surprised by it too. Nonetheless, he returns and looks to continue his great form. The right winger is fifth in scoring with 70 points in 52 games. He’s one point behind Edmonton Oilers‘ Connor McDavid and will look to catch him on Thursday night. Marner practiced on the right side of the second line with William Nylander and Tavares on the left of him. That combination hasn’t been used yet this season.