Maple Leafs’ Ilya Lyubushkin Injury Update After Scary Hit

In an unfortunate twist for the Toronto Maple Leafs, defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin’s return to the team faced an early setback during his first game back. Lyubushkin, beginning his second stint with the Maple Leafs, was forced out of the game in the second period due to a head injury.

Rempe catches Lyubushkin with a big hit. 😳 pic.twitter.com/zlAnvaJ5wL

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 3, 2024

The incident unfolded when Matt Rempe delivered a forceful hit on Lyubushkin, raising concerns as the defenseman had to leave the game. Questions lingered over the seriousness of the injury, prompting head coach Sheldon Keefe to express dissatisfaction with the hit. Keefe noted that Rempe covered a considerable distance, left his feet, and made contact with Lyubushkin’s head, leading to the injury.

Video footage showed Rempe leaving his feet to deliver the hit, sparking expectations of supplemental discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety.

Later in the game, Maple Leafs veteran forward and enforcer Ryan Reaves confronted Rempe in a fight. Recognizing the need to address the hit on Lyubushkin, Reaves and Rempe engaged in a spirited bout, an encounter many anticipated given the circumstances leading up to Saturday’s game.

Following the game, Lyubushkin was spotted walking around the dressing room, providing some relief as he interacted with teammates and Leafs GM Brad Treliving. While acknowledging the injury, Lyubushkin expressed optimism that it wasn’t too severe, as relayed to teammate Ilya Samsonov.

Further updates on Lyubushkin’s condition are eagerly awaited, offering more clarity on the extent of the head injury. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs face another defensive setback as Mark Giordano undergoes evaluation for a head injury sustained earlier in the week.

Amidst these challenges, reports suggest that the Maple Leafs are actively engaged in trade deadline discussions even after acquiring Lyubushkin. Prior to tonight’s game, there were indications that the team remained interested in strengthening their defensive lineup. The need for depth has become glaringly apparent as injuries mount, underscoring the importance of fortifying the roster for a successful playoff push.