Leafs make roster moves as Johnsson goes on LTIR

The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled three players from the Toronto Marlies today. The moves are being made, in part, because Andreas Johnsson has been placed on long-term injured reserve. Johnsson blocked a shot with his leg during the third period of Wednesday night’s game against Colorado. He did not return and, unfortunately, it looks like he won’t be back for a while. According to Kristen Shilton of TSN, he will be re-evaluated after the Christmas break to see when he might be able to get back on the ice.

In the meantime, the three players called up from the NHL are forwards Nic Petan (surprise!) and Pontus Aberg, along with defenseman Martin Marincin. It’s very fortunate for Petan that Toronto’s NHL and AHL clubs are in the same city. Otherwise, he’d be getting a lot of Frequent Flyer Miles as the guy seems to be up and down between the two leagues on a semi-daily basis. In 13 games with Toronto this season, he has three points, all assists, and has been relegated mostly to the fourth line.

As for Aberg, he hasn’t played in the NHL yet this season, but has looked very good at the AHL level. In 22 games with the Marlies, he has 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists). Marincin has played seven games with the big club in 2019-20 but has failed to get on the scoresheet. He’s played three games with the Marlies, managing one assist. Marincin has been up and down quite a few times himself, although not nearly as much as Petan. Unfortunately, he hasn’t played many games for the Leafs or the Marlies.

Andreas Johnsson, 25, will surely be missed by the team, especially if he is out longer than a month. He’s recorded 16 points in 25 games this year (six goals and 10 assists) and fills an important role for the team. It remains to be seen whether someone can step in to fill his skates.