The Toronto Maple Leafs were just given a massive blow to their roster after this important player was ruled out with an injury over the All-Star break.
Kampf Ruled Out With Injury Over All-Star Break
Normally, the All-Star break is the players' opportunity to get a well-needed rest after the first half of the gruelling season. The week off is a chance to recover from being banged up and get ready for the second half of the year.
This year's break, though, wasn't long enough for Leafs' forward David Kampf. According to Sheldon Keefe today, Kampf suffered an injury right before the break, and it didn't settle right during the time off. As a result, he will need an MRI and won't play tomorrow.
"He got banged up a bit just before the break," said Keefe as per Leafs reporter Terry Koshan. "They weren't happy with how it settled down over the course of the break. He's getting an MRI today. Unavailable for tomorrow, day to day at this point until we find out more."
This is a huge blow to the Leafs as they look to take control during the second half of their season. Kampf, while not a goal-scorer, is a huge part of the depth for the team, including on the penalty kill.
Leafs Short Two Players in their Botton Six And Will Need Others To Step Up
The injuries to both Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok will give some of the other depth players the Leafs have an opportunity to step up. Players who have been in and out of the lineup like Nick Robertson and Ryan Reaves will have an opportunity to show what they've got.
The trouble here is that the injuries show just how little depth the Leafs have beyond their top-6. We will see if the absence of Jarnkrok and Kampf sounds any alarms for Brad Treliving ahead of the deadline.
As seen on Hockey Feed - "Maple Leafs lose David Kampf over the All-Star break."