Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul is out indefinitely with a Grade 2 groin strain and will not travel with the team on its upcoming three-game road trip.
Lupul left the game in the second period of Monday’s 6-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets and did not return for the third stanza.
Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle told reporters Tuesday that it would take a miracle for Lupul to be available for the weekend. The Leafs travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins Wednesday before two additional road games against the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
In 22 games with the Leafs this season, Lupul has eight goals, 15 points and 18 penalty minutes. The 30-year-old Saskatchewan native missed two games earlier in the year with a bruised foot.
There is currently no specific timetable for Lupul’s return; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick suffered a Grade 2 groin strain on Nov. 12 and isn’t expected back until around Christmas.
