Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Komisarek is expected to miss eight weeks with a broken arm.
Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson confirmed Saturday that Komisarek will undergo surgery after blocking a shot in the third period of Thursday’s 4-1 loss to the Nashville Predators.
The veteran blue-liner has one goal and three assists in 18 games this season for Toronto.
The Leafs are expected to call up a defenceman to replace Komisarek following Saturday night’s home game against the Washington Capitals.
The loss of Komisarek is a big blow to a Leafs team already dealing with a rash of injuries.
Centre Matthew Lombardi also left Thursday’s game with an upper-body injury and will be out a minimum of three weeks. Forward Mikhail Grabovski (lower body injury) is also out for two weeks, while Colby Armstrong is dealing with an ankle sprain.
Clarke MacArthur is dealing with an upper-body injury, Mike Brown is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game, and No. 1 goaltender James Reimer continues to rehab from a head injury.
The Leafs recalled forward Joe Colborne prior to Saturday’s game against Washington. Jonas Gustavsson is expected start in goal against the Capitals.
