Maple Leafs’ van Riemsdyk, Lupul will miss rest of season

Leafs head coach Mike Babcock discusses what the team will do without an injured James van Riemsdyk, including who may step up in his absence.

Toronto Maple Leafs forwards James van Riemsdyk and Joffrey Lupul will miss the rest of the season due to injuries.

Van Riemsdyk’s recovery from a non-displaced fracture in his left foot has taken longer than expected, a team spokesman confirmed Thursday evening. The left-winger will likely resume skating in 2-3 weeks but will not return this season.

Lupul, meanwhile, had season-ending surgery on Monday to repair a sports hernia.

Van Riemsdyk had 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) in 40 games before suffering the fracture in early January. Lupul had 14 points (11-3) in 46 games.

The 20-28-10 Maple Leafs entered Thursday night’s home game against the Carolina Hurricanes in last place in the Eastern Conference standings with 50 points.

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