Leafs’ Bozak to miss ‘extended period of time’

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without Tyler Bozak for an "extended period of time" according to head coach Randy Carlyle after the centre suffered an oblique strain. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without Tyler Bozak for an “extended period of time” according to head coach Randy Carlyle after the centre suffered an oblique strain.

Bozak suffered the injury in Tuesday’s 4-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks.

The 27-year-old only recently returned from a hamstring injury that caused him to miss 12 games earlier in the season.

In 16 games this season, Bozak has 11 points, a plus-5 rating, and has averaged 21:04 of ice time per game.

The Leafs host the Dallas Stars Thursday and the team will also be without enforcer Colton Orr, who has undergone treatment on his injured elbow. Joffrey Lupul will not play because of a groin strain, but Phil Kessel will be in the lineup despite suffering an undisclosed injury at practice Wednesday.

Forwards Jerry D’Amigo and Josh Leivo were called up from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League for extra support, while Jerred Smithson cleared waivers and was assigned to the Marlies.

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