The Toronto Maple Leafs roller-coaster season continues. After it seemed like the team was playing it’s best hockey of the season, three straight losses now has the hockey world wondering once again if they really are the real deal. One of the key points of contention – their struggling defence.

That problem just got a whole lot worse. Morgan Rielly fractured his foot blocking a shot in the Panthers 8-4 trouncing of the Leafs, and the blueliner is now looking at a minimum of eight weeks on the shelf.

 

Most would consider Rielly to be the most important member of the Leafs defensive corps, and he’s certainly one of the most important members of the Leafs power-play. They’ll definitely be feeling the loss of a man that’s averaging over 24 minutes on the ice each game.

In response to the injury, there is a bit of a silver-lining. Leafs fans will finally get to see 2018 1st round pick Rasmus Sandin get some extended run with the team, who stoked that fire with a solid World Juniors on Team Sweden.

 

 

Leafs 2018 1st round pick Sandin gets the call.

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Overall, Leafs fans aren’t too happy with the news, even if it means a look at one of their top prospects.