When it comes to close calls, it’s been a hairy preseason thus far for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The competition hasn’t even started for real yet, and already, the injury bug is rearing its ugly head.

Already without Auston Matthews, who’s considered day-to-day with a minor upper body injury, both William Nylander and John Tavares were dinged up during Toronto’s 2-1 victory against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night.

The good news, however, is that just like the team’s new captain, it appears that both players managed to avoid anything serious. In the grand scheme of things, that’s all that matters, especially with the regular season opener in Montreal now just 12 short days away.

It goes without saying but it will be interesting to see how Craig Berube and company elect to handle matters over the next two weeks. I know what I would do, though. With three preseason outings still left on Toronto’s docket, there’s absolutely no reason to consider trotting any of the three guys out there for another shift. Let them rest!

I know what people are saying, though. It’s hockey, you can get hurt whenever. And ultimately, I get that. That said, aside from allowing them to get their reps in prior to the regular season, there aren’t really many benefits of dressing the three marquee pieces leading up to October 9^th. There’s nothing to prove. They’re too important to the team to take part in meaningless games, especially with numerous guys on the other side of the ice still playing for jobs. The juice isn’t worth the squeeze.

Additionally, sitting the trio out, would afford Berube the ability to take a longer look at some players who are on the bubble to make the team. Furthermore, it would give him the flexibility to be able to try a few things out and see what potentially sticks. For me, it’s a no brainer decision, especially when you consider who the three players are.

Ultimately, assuming full health, I think Matthews, Nylander, and Tavares should be granted full authority to call their own shot. They’ve earned it. If they’re adamant that they’re good to go and want to get in another game before the opener, then so be it. With that in mind, there’s no question that the organization should keep their eyes on the prize. These games don’t matter. At this point, I rather they be extra cautious, there’s nothing wrong with that.