Jarnkrok is yet to play a game this season after having groin and sports hernia surgery in mid-November.
Mar 2, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Calle Jarnkrok (19) pursues the play against the New York Rangers in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Calle Jarnkrok could make his season debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday against the San Jose Sharks.
According to TSN's Chris Johnston, the 33-year-old will rejoin the Maple Leafs lineup, the first time he'll play in a game since training camp.
Jarnkrok hasn't appeared in a regular season game this year. The veteran forward suffered an injury during training camp before undergoing groin and sports hernia surgery in mid-November.
He returned to practice with the team after the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
Several players, including Max Domi, were absent from Toronto's practice on Saturday. Jarnkrok centered the third line (Domi's usual spot) with Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson during the team's skate in Pittsburgh.
Calle Jarnkrok Remains Scratched, Several Maple Leafs Game-Time Decisions Ahead Of Game Against Penguins
<i>Jan 20, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Calle Jarnkrok (19) skates against the Vancouver Canucks in the first period at Rogers Arena. Canucks won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images</i>
"Very intelligent player, as you guys know," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said on Tuesday.
"Checks a lot of boxes. Penalty killing and end of games, face-offs, like he can play any position. He's a real complimentary player with good players, which is nice to have, too."
In a surprise media availability on Saturday, Toronto GM Brad Treliving mentioned that Jarnkrok is still waiting for medical clearance from the team's doctors. Once he's cleared — which now appears to be Monday — Jarnkrok can return to the Maple Leafs lineup.
According to PuckPedia, Toronto currently has just over $1.4 million in cap space, meaning they must send someone to the Toronto Marlies to make room for Jarnkrok's $2.1 million.
Sending a player down will also open a roster spot, allowing Toronto to activate the veteran forward. Jarnkrok had 10 goals and 11 assists in 52 games last season with the Maple Leafs.
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