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Leafs’ William Nylander and Bobby McMann’s status unknown for Game 1 of playoffs
Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Leafs’ William Nylander and Bobby McMann’s status unknown for Game 1 of playoffs

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff  |  By Tyler Kuehl  |  Last updated 4/19/24

This is certainly not the best news for a team that is a little over 24 hours away from its opening game of the postseason.

On Friday, Toronto Maple Leafs forwards William Nylander and Bobby McMann were noticeably absent from the team’s practice.

When asked after the skate, head coach Sheldon Keefe stated that the status of both players heading into Game 1 of their first-round series against the Boston Bruins is unknown.

“Both are possibilities for tomorrow,” Keefe said. “That’s it.”

Keefe also relayed a notion from general manager Brad Treliving that the team will not provide daily updates on injuries.

Nylander went a little quiet in the final month of the regular season, not scoring a goal in the final 11 games of the regular season, which came right after a stretch that saw the Swede finding the back of the net in six of seven games. Nevertheless, Nylander has been a big part of the Leafs’ offense, reaching the 40-goal mark for the second straight season, finishing the regular season with 98 points, second only to the Rocket Richard Trophy-winning Auston Matthews.

Teammate Calle Jarnkrok says, if Nylander cannot play against the Bruins on Saturday, there will be a noticeable hole in the lineup.

“It’s tough to replace Willy,” Jarnkrok told the media. “I don’t even know what’s going on with him. Hopefully, he can play, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see tomorrow.”

McMann has not played since getting injured on April 13 against the Detroit Red Wings, being out with what is listed as a lower-body injury.

In his first long stint with the Leafs, the 27-year-old has made an impact as a depth player with size, but possesses a scoring touch that has been useful in the bottom-six. In 56 games this year, the Colgate product has scored 15 goals and 24 points.

The Leafs get set for the first game of the best-of-seven with the Bruins on Saturday night.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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