There are times when family comes first, even for those who play in the National Hockey League. It's essential to prioritize personal matters, and if it means stepping away from the team for a while, it's a necessary course of action.
Gustafsson Takes Leave from the Leafs for Personal Reasons
Toronto Maple Leafs' head coach, Sheldon Keefe, recently revealed that defenseman Erik Gustafsson will be stepping away from the team to address a personal matter in Washington.
"Erik Gustafsson was not on the ice as well he's not with the team due to a personal family situation he had to deal with back in Washington, per Keefe."
Keefe verified that Gustafsson was not present on the ice and wouldn't be with the team as he needed to attend to a personal family issue.
Gustafsson, 31 years old, joined the Maple Leafs earlier this season through a trade for Rasmus Sandin. So far, he has garnered 39 points in 69 games played, representing both the Maple Leafs and the Washington Capitals.
As Gustafsson turns his attention to his family, it's hoped that everything is okay. Credit goes to the Leafs for valuing their players' personal situations over the sport of hockey.