Two Injured Maple Leafs Defencemen Take Big Steps Towards Return

Ever since defenceman Jake McCabe went down with a groin injury over a week ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been winless in four games. Now, that's not to say that McCabe is the critical key to the team's blueline, but they could certainly use him back, especially in light of the fact that they're also without Timothy Liljegren now for a significant period.

The good news is that McCabe returned to practice on Sunday, a welcome sight for the Leafs' defence corps. In addition, there was a Conor Timmins sighting on the ice Sunday morning as well. 

Conor Timmins (lower body) and Jake McCabe (groin) working their way back from injury

It’s possible McCabe rejoins Leafs practice today @TSN_Edge pic.twitter.com/h7iVPNKnzl

— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) November 5, 2023

Timmins, who was having a tremendous camp before going down to a long-term injury, would be a very nice depth D-man to add to the roster when he's able to return. And while he's "doing well," head coach Sheldon Keefe says that Timmins is still “a ways away” from being cleared for game action.

About McCabe, who's much closer, Keefe said he won't know if the veteran blueliner will play on Monday until they see how he responds to Sunday's practice.

The Leafs are struggling, losing four straight (one in OT, one in a shootout), to drop to 5-4-2 on the young season.

Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports