Maple Leafs' Jarnkrok could return vs. Penguins, Tanev remains sidelined

The Toronto Maple Leafs could see Calle Jarnkrok make his season debut Sunday afternoon against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Head coach Craig Berube told reporters Saturday that the forward looks ready to go but is waiting for the final word from team doctors if he will be cleared to play.

The 33-year-old has been on the long-term injured reserve since the beginning of the regular season after undergoing groin and sports hernia surgery.

Jarnkrok appeared in 52 games last season, scoring 10 goals and 21 points while dealing with injuries. He is in the third season of a four-year, $8.4-million contract he signed as an unrestricted free agent on July 15, 2022.

Unfortunately for Toronto, veteran defenceman Chris Tanev will not be able to suit up in the Leafs' next two games against Pittsburgh and the San Jose Sharks on Monday. Berube said that Tanev is feeling better but still not ready for game action.

The Leafs also had a few players absent from practice Sunday, including defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson who missed most of the third period during Friday's game against the New York Rangers. Forwards Max Domi and Steven Lorentz were also absent.

Berube said their absences were more of a maintenance day, and their status for Sunday has not been determined yet.