Maple Leafs coach gives injury updates on Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Chris Tanev and more

It’s not the most wonderful time of the year to fill out a lineup card if you’re Craig Berube.

The coach of the Maple Leafs spent most of his media time Friday going through a lengthy list of injuries that complicate efforts to get back in playoff position.

And he has to get ready for a visit by Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night, a team anxious to restore its own traction and which just made a significant trade for a goalie.

A mash-up of the M*A*S*H news:

Defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson

The latest casualty when his leg buckled Thursday during the eventual overtime loss to San Jose and he had to be helped off the ice, Berube indicated the news on OEL was better than expected.

“He’ll skate (Saturday) and we’ll go from there,” Berube said, obviously concerned about losing a third blueliner on his top six for a lengthy span.

Defenceman Chris Tanev

Berube said he’s now seeking “a second opinion” after what was hoped to be a final assessment earlier this week for an upper body injury.

This date with a specialist fuelled more speculation about surgery versus risking trying to play through whatever messed him up when stretchered off the ice Nov. 1 in Philadelphia.

Tanev looks fine, but was in no-contact red again Friday during the optional practice.

Defenceman Brandon Carlo

The club had been secretive about his condition the past few weeks before finally confirming he had foot surgery Dec. 3. Carlo was seen in the halls Friday, but such an injury mean skating will be a difficult part of rehab.

Defenceman Marshall Rifai

His chance for some quality time with the Leafs has never been closer. Sidelined at training camp after wrist surgery when he had been in the mix to make the team, he has practised full out the past few days and likely takes Ekman-Larsson’s spot Saturday.

Goaltender Joseph Woll

While eligible to come off IR and play the Oilers a week after his latest lower-body mishap in Montreal, he said he doesn’t expect to get the call.

He and Berube gave full props to Dennis Hildeby for his play in Woll’s absence and it’s not surprising the Swede would get rewarded with this key assignment.

Goaltender Anthony Stolarz

The mystery injury that has kept him off the ice for weeks remains covered up, but Berube said Friday that he’d not classify it as potentially season-ending. The play of Woll before his own injury and Hildeby since is encouraging as they emerge as Toronto’s new crease tandem.

Right winger Bobby McMann

His one-game NHL suspension for a high stick is served, just in time to face his home-province Oilers.

Where he fits after William Nylander was placed on the third line with Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua remains to be seen.

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