Toronto Maple Leafs forward Calle Jarnkrok is on the verge of playing his 700th NHL game, but his return from a lower-body injury remains uncertain. Jarnkrok, a former second-round pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, has been sidelined since the end of last season and is not expected to return anytime soon, according to Jonas Siegel of *The Athletic*. Jarnkrok, who was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) at the start of the season, must sit out for at least 10 games and 24 days per NHL rules.
While the Leafs have managed a strong start, winning four of their first six games, Jarnkrok’s absence is particularly felt in the bottom six, where the team has struggled with speed and agility. His return is anticipated to boost Toronto’s defensive play and potentially add 15-20 goals to the lineup. Over the past two seasons with the Maple Leafs, Jarnkrok has scored 30 goals in 125 games.
When healthy, he could slot into the third forward line alongside Nick Robertson and Max Pacioretty, or in a fourth-line role with Steven Lorentz and David Kampf. His return, however, remains indefinite as the Leafs continue to navigate his absence.
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