Jake Muzzin injury update: Maple Leafs defenseman will return to lineup vs. Oilers

The injuries keep piling up for the Maple Leafs.

Following their morning skate on Feb. 22 (but before Toronto lost to the Flames 3-0 at Scotiabank Arena), coach Sheldon Keefe rattled off a bunch of injuries: Zach Hyman is day-to-day; Joe Thornton is day-to-day; and Jake Muzzin has a broken bone in his face.

Yes: Muzzin is out after taking a high-stick to the face, suffering a facial fracture in the team’s Feb. 20 win over the Canadiens.

“That’s going to require him to miss some time,” said Keefe. “We’re uncertain how much time. It could be a day-to-day situation. We’ve just got to give it some time to settle. When he comes back, it’ll have to be with a full shield.”

On Saturday, hours before puck drop in Edmonton, Keefe announced that Muzzin and Thornton would return to the lineup against the Oilers. The Leafs are also getting Jack Campbell back in net. Hyman missed one game and returned for Wednesday’s overtime win over the Flames.

MORE: Wayne Simmonds out (broken wrist) | Frederik Anderson day-to-day

Muzzin’s injury happened late in the third period, when he went down on one knee to block a possible pass. Instead, he took the follow-through from Tyler Toffoli, who scored not long after on the shift.

Losing the rugged defenseman leaves a massive hole on the Leafs’ blue line. In 19 games, he posted one goal and 11 assists along with 17 penalty minutes. He was the top defenseman in Corsi For percentage at 5v5 (50.59) through the team’s first 19 games (according to Natural Stat Trick). He was also the No. 2 D-man for Fenwick For percentage (51.18) and Shots For percentage (52.04). The No. 1 defenseman in those categories? His partner, Justin Holl.

Travis Dermott slotted into Muzzin’s spot on Monday; Mikko Lehtonen was inserted into the lineup.