NHL Insider offers grim prediction regarding Leafs goaltender Petr Mrazek

The beginning of goaltender Petr Mrazek's tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs hasn't gotten off to an ideal start. As a matter of fact, it's been pretty rotten.

Not only did Mrazek surrender three goals on 26 shots last night against the Ottawa Senators, but he also suffered a groin injury while stopping a late 2nd period shot from Ottawa's Victor Mete. The Leafs goaltender was slow to get up and noticeably struggled to make his way to the bench after the horn and was seen hobbling in the tunnel on his way to the dressing room. 

The injury has officially been classified as a groin injury by the team, though head coach Sheldon Keefe didn't have any further updates. 

"I don't have an update on him at all other than he was unable to finish the game tonight," he explained. 

And for fans hoping that Mrazek will be able to shake it off and be back in the crease in quick order, you may need to put those hopes on hold. NHL Insider Chris Johnston didn't exactly do anything to quell the fears of Leafs fans this afternoon: 

"The fact that it was a groin injury and obviously there's different severities for how those can go," he said today today on Leafs Lunch. "I don't expect to see Mrazek back in the Leafs net anytime soon."

Last year with Carolina, Mrazek posted a record of a 6-2-3 record with three shutouts, a 2.06 goals against average and a .911 save percentage. In 275 career regular season games with the Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers and Hurricanes, Mrazek sports a 128-96-31 record with a 2.59 goals against average, a .911 save percentage and 24 shutouts. 

"It sucks to see him come out of the game, he played really well for us," Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza said. 

Should Mrazek be forced to miss a chunk of time, don't be surprised to see the Leafs decide to bring up goaltender Erik Källgren from the American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies. Of course, the team could also elect to bring up Michael Hutchinson, who was waived by the team before the regular season began.