Two players left Friday’s game at the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie tournament at Ricoh Coliseum. Keaton Middleton took the exit after a fight, and Eemeli Räsänen left in obvious pain after blocking a shot with what looked like his ankle.
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Timothy Liljegren had an unfortunate debut with the Maple Leafs’ rookies last night but that’s fine
After the game it was announced that Adam Brooks had mono over the summer and could likely play, but they don’t feel any need to push him. He’s not a mystery to the Leafs, and he’ll have a training camp and a season on the Marlies to reveal what he’s got as a pro.
The other two, still in junior hockey, are a different story. Neither one would be well served by an injury at the start of the season.
Reports from today’s practice are a mixed bag:
Dermott and Middleton both absent from #Leafs practice, Rasanen back. Don't see Grundstrom. May not play Sun in favour of Moore or Timashov
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) September 9, 2017
Travis Dermott was listed as a scratch for both games due to illness before Friday’s game.
The exact status of Middleton is not known yet.
The lineup for Sunday’s game against the Senators will likely be announced right before it begins, which is 4 p.m. Eastern time. The game will be on Leafs TV and streamed live.
Update:
And now suddenly, it’s cautiously optimistic.
Grundstrom will play tomorrow, held out today as precaution. Dermott and Middleton are both improved, possible for tomorrow.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) September 9, 2017
A look at Dermott would be fun in this context, particularly after the defensive follies of Friday’s first period.