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Mitch Marner’s Move to Long-Term Injured Reserve
In a strategic move, Mitch Marner’s transition to long-term injured reserve is not merely about estimating his return to the ice, but rather about enhancing roster flexibility. By placing Marner on LTIR retroactively to March 7, coinciding with his suspected ankle injury in Boston, the Toronto Maple Leafs were able to summon Marshall Rifai, a valuable defenceman from the Marlies, in preparation for their game against the Buffalo Sabres.
Team Adjustments and Considerations
Head coach Sheldon Keefe highlighted the significance of this roster adjustment due to the growing necessity for an extra player as the team has been left with just six defensemen. Marner, after participating in full practice with the Leafs, is set to miss his 11th consecutive game on Monday against Florida, with plans to practice again on Tuesday. The Maple Leafs will then evaluate the possibility of including Marner in the lineup for their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday.
Expressing his thoughts for the first time since his injury, Marner conveyed optimism about his recovery progress, stating, “It’s close… Be ready when the time comes.” The absence of Marner, known for his pivotal role in both specialty teams, has been notably felt as the Maple Leafs recorded a 5-3-1 standing during his absence.
Team Injuries and Timelines
Reports suggested that Marner sustained a high-ankle sprain, although he did not confirm this news, leaving room for speculation regarding the exact nature of his injury. Additionally, the Maple Leafs are contending with the absence of other key players against the Sabres, including Morgan Rielly, Timothy Liljegren, and Joel Edmundson, each sidelined with various injuries. Despite these setbacks, Marner commended the team’s resilience, emphasizing their ability to step up in challenging circumstances.
In an anticipated development, Ilya Samsonov is slated to make his first start in a week, aiming to redeem his previous performance at KeyBank Center.
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