Jake Muzzin was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.
The defenseman left a 3-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Monday at 11:03 of the second period when a neck injury sustained in a collision with Coyotes forward Clayton Keller. Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said he was told it is not a recurrence of any head injury but that there is no timeline for a return.
"Jake has had a number of injuries that have been cause for concern for us," Keefe said. "Anytime a player gets injured and has had as many injuries as Jake has had to deal with, there is concern of course. How much concern? I don't know. I think it's probably too early to say at this point. We had an event last night he was at and looked like himself in a lot of ways and was here in the facility today. We will let the process take care of itself with the medical folks and take it from there."
Muzzin has one assist in four games this season. He had two concussions last season and missed part of training camp with back discomfort.
"He's doing what he can do," forward Mitchell Marner said. "Obviously for him it's just making sure that if he does come back and play this year, or whatever happens, just make sure that he's going to be able to do whatever he wants to do the rest of his life and enjoy the time with his family, his kids and whatever he wants to do. That's the most important thing.
"On the ice, he's a big missing piece. He does a lot for us on and off the ice. Calmness on the ice when he has the puck, penalty killing, leadership he brings. It's definitely a big piece we will be missing but life off the ice is always more important."
Rasmus Sandin took Muzzin's spot at practice with Justin Holl. Victor Mete skated with Mark Giordano and is expected to make his Maple Leafs debut against the Dallas Stars on Thursday,
Defenseman Filip Kral was recalled from Toronto of the American Hockey League. -- Dave McCarthy
