Maple Leafs’ Dakota Joshua Suffers Scary-Sounding Internal Injuries
Toronto Maple Leafs' physical forward Dakota Joshua suffered a kidney injury in the team's last game in Detroit on Sunday, and according to head coach Craig Berube, it doesn't sound pretty.
Craig Berube expands on what Dakota Joshua is dealing with
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“Joshua’s still in Detroit,” Berube told reporters at practice Tuesday morning. “Whether he took a hit or went into the boards, it’s his kidney. It’s got blood and everything, so we need to see where he’s at.”
The big, gritty, physically dominant forward is just one of the latest list of walking wounded for the Leafs, who go into Tuesday night's game against the New Jersey Devils (and former head coach Sheldon Keefe) with several others ailing.
William Nylander is out day-to-day, and Chris Tanev is out as well, both after injuries also suffered in Detroit. Tanev just returned last week from a lengthy absence. It's a lower-body injury, however, that isn't related to the head/neck issue that kept him out for over seven weeks earlier.
Auston Matthews didn't escape the Red Wings game unscathed either, after coming away hurting from blocking a shot. He is also out for Tuesday.
The revamped Leafs' lineup will see Matthew Knies back on the top line, with John Tavares and Max Domi. Scott Laughton has been promoted to the second line with Matias Maccelli and Bobby McMann, and the third line will comprise of Nicolas Roy centering Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson.
One new entry to the lineup will be Jacob Quillan, who comes up from the Marlies of the AHL.
“I love Quillan’s energy and his speed," said Berube. "He’s a young kid, but he could come in and provide what we need, I think tonight and going forward. I think he’s getting close to being an NHL player and a full time one with his ability. I mean, it’s a good opportunity for him tonight.”
Photo: © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
