Sportsnet.ca -- If the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to continue their fight for a playoff spot, they’ll have to do it without one of their top offensive options.

Leafs forward Nik Antropov is expected to miss another 5-7 days with slightly torn cartilage in one of his knees.

Antropov, who wouldn’t specify which knee is injured, told reporters Wednesday that he will try to skate on Thursday but will only target a return to the Leafs lineup if they are still in the playoff hunt. Should the team be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, he will shut it down for the remainder of the regular season.

With eight games remaining, the Leafs are six points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference currently held by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Antropov is second in team scoring with 52 points (26 goals, 56 assists) in 70 games.