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John Tavares, Calle Jarnkrok, Alex Steeves day-to-day with lower body injuries

Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Sep 27, 2024, 10:51 EDTUpdated: Sep 27, 2024, 10:50 EDT
Toronto Maple Leafs forwards John Tavares, Calle Jarnkrok and Alex Steeves are all listed as day-to-day with lower body injuries, the team announced Friday.
Tavares was clipped by Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Pezzeta during the first period of Thursday’s contest, but he remained in the game, although his ice time was reduced during the third period.
“My leg was getting pretty stiff from the hit there I took there in the first,” Tavares said post-game. “It wasn’t so bad afterwards but kinda throughout the second, and especially in the third, I just got really, really stiff. I didn’t have much and I told Craig to keep it short, but he was determined to give me the rest of the night off.”
Jarnkrok was getting work in alongside Auston Matthews prior to Thursday’s practice sessions, shooting on an empty net alongside Toronto’s captain. It’s unclear when Jarnkrok suffered the injury. He was initially paired with Max Domi and William Nylander on a line to begin training camp and if he’s healthy for opening night, it’s likely he’ll be paired alongside the offensively gifted duo.
Steeves opened the scoring during Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the Senators, but he wasn’t part of Thursday’s game roster. The 24-year-old recorded 27 goals and 57 points in 65 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies during the 2023-24 season.
In additional news, Dakota Mermis underwent jaw surgery on Thursday and is listed as week-to-week. Mermis signed a one-year deal worth $775,000 on July 2 with the Maple Leafs. He recorded three goals and eight points in 47 games with the Minnesota Wild in 2023-24 and he also spent time with the AHL’s Iowa Wild.
William Nylander’s status wasn’t formally updated but Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube indicated post-game that the 28-year-old will be fine after leaving Thursday’s game during the first period after a collision with Canadiens forward Christian Dvorak.
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