Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan O’Reilly will be going on long-term injured reserve. The news was announced by Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe during Monday’s media availability. The new acquisition is slated to see a hand specialist and should be back by the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It was also announced that team captain John Tavares would miss Tuesday’s game versus the New Jersey Devils due to illness.
At his media availability, TOR head coach Sheldon Keefe says Ryan O’Reilly has a broken finger and will be going on LTIR. (Timeline uncertain as of now.) John Tavares won’t play tomorrow vs NJ as he is a little under the weather.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 6, 2023
Ryan O’Reilly Out with Hand Injury
O’Reilly took a shot off of his hand during Saturday night’s 4-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. The veteran forward was screening in front of the Vancouver net when a shot hit him. He left the game and would not return.
The Clinton, Ontario native has played 14 seasons with in the league. O’Reilly has played for the Colorado Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues and the Maple Leafs. The former Selke Trophy winner has 255 goals and 441 assists for 696 points in 986 career games. O’Reilly has a total of 15 goals and 24 points in 48 combined games with the Blues and Leafs this season. The former Conn Smythe winner has three goals and five points in eight games since coming over from the Blues along with Noel Acciari
What Ryan O’Reilly Being Out Means
The Leafs will face a tall order without O’Reilly and Tavares being out against a good team like New Jersey. Tavares should return soon, but Toronto will miss O’Reilly, who gives the team lineup flexibility.
The veteran can play on the left wing or as a centre that can play solid on both ends of the ice. Tavares and O’Reilly have mostly played together since “ROR” came over in the deal. The Leafs captain has moved to the left wing while Mitch Marner and William Nylander have taken turns on the right.
Due to O’Reilly’s injury, the Leafs called up forwards Alex Steeves and Pontus Holmberg from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Goalie Joseph Woll was sent back down to the AHL.
Main photo by: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
