It’s safe to say that the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t had a full roster since the first game of the season. Injuries to Scott Laughton and Steven Lorenz derailed the frontcourt, while Chris Tanev’s health became an issue in the backfield.
However, the team seemed to receive good news on Tuesday, as it was reported that both Lawton and Lorenz were back in their regular white jerseys before the team’s practice, meaning they are on the verge of returning to the Maple Leafs lineup.
Lawton, 31, an Oakville native, suffered an injury in the preseason and has not played a game for the Maple Leafs this season. After joining the Maple Leafs from the Philadelphia Flyers last season, he scored 2 goals and 4 points in 20 games. His return will boost the team’s position in the bottom six as they continue to forge a new identity.
As for Lorenz, he returned briefly after being placed on injured reserve for the first time this season and is currently dealing with his second injury of the season. The 29-year-old, who has four assists in eight games with the Maple Leafs this season, will return after suffering an upper-body injury against the Columbus Blue Jackets when he hit the backboard hard after taking a field goal attempt.
While both will be welcome additions to the Maple Leafs lineup, it will also bring questions to some of the team’s bubble players, such as Easton Cowan, who has four points in 10 games this season, and Nicholas Robertson, who has seven points in 12 games, including six points in the last five games and the current three-game winning streak.
