Maple Leafs activate Calle Jarnkrok, will be in lineup against Sharks
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Calle Jarnkrok’s time has come.
The Maple Leafs activated the veteran forward on Monday from longterm injured reserve, a couple of hours before playing host to the San Jose Sharks at Scotiabank Arena.
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Maple Leafs activate Calle Jarnkrok, will be in lineup against Sharks Back to video
Jarnkrok hasn’t played in 2024-25 after he was knocked out of training camp with an injury and subsequently had groin/sports hernia surgery in November.
Leafs coach Craig Berube said Jarnkrok will play the right wing on a line with centre David Kampf and Connor Dewar against the Sharks as Toronto goes for its sixth win in a row.
“He’s excited to get back, it has been a long wait,” Berube said. “He has played a long time in the league, he knows how to play. He has practised really well, he looks good.
“I expect him to have good energy out there. He’s a smart player. That line could be effective in both ends of the rink. I think they can get us some opportunities to score some goals, but that should be a good line that can check and go against any of their lines.”
Ryan Reaves will be scratched with Jarnkrok back. Otherwise, Berube said, there will be no other lineup changes from Sunday, when the Leafs won 6-5 in overtime in Pittsburgh against the Penguins. Forward Steven Lorentz (undisclosed) and defenceman Chris Tanev (upper body), who is on injured reserve, will be out of the lineup again.
Anthony Stolarz will get the start in goal for the Leafs.
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As a result of the activation of Jarnkrok, the Leafs assigned forward Alex Steeves to the Toronto Marlies.
The Leafs were pumped to get Jarnkrok back into game action.
“That’s great to see,” defenceman Conor Timmins said. “We see all the behind-the-scenes stuff that you guys don’t and he has been working so hard, came to work every day and we’re excited have him back.
“(He brings) a little bit of everything. Big boost to our lineup.”
There wasn’t much time for the Leafs to enjoy being back home.
After arriving in Toronto on Sunday night from Pittsburgh, the Leafs will head for Las Vegas on Tuesday where they will play the Golden Knights on Wednesday to begin a three-game trip.
Amidst the trip, of course, will be the National Hockey League trade deadline on Friday.
“It kind of feels like we’re still on the road, knowing that we have to leave tomorrow,” Timmins said. “But we’re excited to be back in front of our fans and tonight will be a fun one.
“I did some laundry (during the short stint at home), cleaned my apartment and then packed myself right back up.”
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