Maple Leafs Lose Biggest Camp Surprise To Injury

After posting a shocking six points in the team's first two preseason games, on-the-bubble defenseman Conor Timmins will now be forced to the sidelines for a while after absorbing a big hit and suffering an injury late in Friday night's game. 

Conor Timmins took a hit late in the game on Friday.

Having an MRI to determine extend of injury but Sheldon Keefe says he will “miss some time” with the lower body injury.#Leafs @NHLdotcom

— Dave McCarthy (@DaveAMcCarthy) September 30, 2023

Head coach Sheldon Keefe admits that Timmins will "miss some time" with a lower body injury. And it isn't expected to be a short absence. 

"Not just the camp he has had, he has worked incredibly hard ... to have a setback is tough news for him and for us," added Keefe. The 25-year-old blueliner underwent an MRI on Saturday and the Leafs are awaiting for more information.

Timmins also becomes the second right-shot D to hit the infirmary this week, after new free agent signing John Klingberg went down in Wednesday's game and is listed as day-to-day. A left-shot defenseman will have to slide over for now.

Injuries have been a problem for Timmins in his career; his final season in junior, 2018-19, was completely wiped out due to a concussion, and a knee injury forced him to miss all but six games of the 2021-22 season.

He notched 14 points in 25 games in third-pairing minutes after being acquired last season by Toronto from the Arizona Coyotes, and his camp thus far was earning him a long look for a role with the Leafs. Very unfortunate timing for this latest injury.

Photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports