Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas says his team could be a few players short for its scheduled return from a COVID-19 outbreak, but has to prepare to play Wednesday night against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins.
“I think we would be OK for Wednesday; might be one or two short,” Dubas told reporters after the team returned to practice on Sunday. “Game is on our schedule and we have to prepare as if we are to play.”
Dubas said 14 Leafs players and seven staff members have tested positive, while 24 players and five staff members on the AHL Marlies also have had Covid.
The Leafs have had their past four games postponed.
Leafs captain John Tavares returned from protocol on Sunday. Dubas said Alex Kerfoot, Wayne Simmonds and Jason Spezza are set to come off protocol and return to practice Monday if they pass their cardiac screenings.
Both of the Leafs’ top goalies — Jack Campbell and Petr Mrazek — are in COVID protocol.
Mitch Marner, who has been out with a shoulder injury since early in the month, returned to practice on Sunday for the first time since being injured but is not expected to return anytime soon, Dubas said.
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