'He's Getting Closer For Sure': Maple Leafs' Conor Timmins Might Return From Injury on Sunday Against Minnesota Wild in Stockholm, Sweden
STOCKHOLM — Conor Timmins continues to look strong in practice sessions with the Toronto Maple Leafs and while his status for Friday's game is less clear, there is a good chance that the defenseman could make his return to the lineup on Sunday against the Minnesota Wild when they play the second of two games in Stockholm, Sweden.
"At this point, unlikely for Friday (against the Detroit Red Wings), but we’ll see what the next couple of days bring." Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said of the defenseman "I haven’t talked to the trainers since today’s practice.
The skate was Timmins' third consecutive practice as a full participant. Previously, the St. Catharines, Ontario native took part in practices in a non-contact jersey and minimal participation in morning skates.
Timmins got off to a great start at training camp but sustained a lower-body injury against the Montreal Canadiens in September and was placed on long-term injured reserve.
"It was definitely frustrating but I think I bounced back pretty quickly from it," Timmins said following practice Monday before the team flew to Stockholm. "I’m used to dealing with adversity. You give yourself a day or two to sulk and then you just get to work. All you can do is work through it."
Acquired by the Maple Leafs from the Arizona Coyotes nearly one year ago, the defenseman has encountered several injuries throughout his short career but was happy with the progress of his latest ailment.
"There was never a specific timeline it was just kind of seeing how things responded and just kind of hitting gradual milestones," Timmins said on Monday before the team flew to Stockholm. "I’m pretty happy with the progress of it."
The Leafs signed Timmins to a two-year, $2.2 million contract shortly after acquiring him. If Timmins is able to return to the lineup on Sunday, the Leafs will have to move their roster around to accommodate him. That likely means the demotion of a player like Simon Benoit and perhaps another forward to unlock the defenseman's $1.1 million cap hit.
But one thing is clear. Timmins is on his way to returning.
"He's getting closer, for sure," Keefe said of Timmins.
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