Doctor weighs in on Kirill Marchenko's injury timeline after concerning Leafs exit
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Kirill Marchenko left the Leafs' game in Calgary hurt. A doctor thinks it's likely an MCL injury that could cost him a few weeks at most. Toronto has no update.
Kirill Marchenko left the Toronto Maple Leafs' game against the Calgary Flames on Monday night with a lower-body injury and never returned.
Yegor Sharangovich hit the winger in the second period, and Marchenko fell awkwardly before crashing into the boards.
Calgary led 3-0 at the time.
Marchenko took one more quick shift, then went down the tunnel, and the team ruled him out before the third period.
He played about seven minutes.
He appeared to grab at his knee briefly, and coach Jim Hiller had no update after the game.
What the doctor thinks
Dr. Harjas Grewal, a physician who breaks down NHL injuries on social media, gave his early read Monday night.
He hasn't examined Marchenko, and the Leafs haven't said anything official, so this is an educated guess.
He suspects it's most likely an MCL injury.
Grewal says this looks less severe than most, so he wouldn't be surprised by a day-to-day situation or a two to three week absence instead of the usual four to six weeks.
He also noted the mechanism can stress the inside of the ankle too, though Marchenko grabbing his knee points toward the knee.
Why the Leafs need good news
Toronto can't afford a long absence.
Marchenko came over from the Columbus Blue Jackets on the eve of the season in the Matthew Knies trade, and he has six goals and 14 points this year.
The Leafs are already without John Tavares, Max Domi, Dakota Joshua and Chris Tanev, so another absence up front would sting.
Wednesday's game in Seattle is the next test, and an official update could come before then.
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