John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
As it stands right now, the Toronto Maple Leafs are a playoff team. In a shortened season, that status could change in a minute. But for now, they’re on pace to reach the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.
Within the next several weeks, they may be getting a key piece back into their lineup that will help them towards reaching that elusive postseason appearance. News over the return of Joffrey Lupul to practice has folks buzzing over when their star forward could return to the lineup.
Lupul has been out of the lineup since the end of January, after sustaining a broken arm as a result of a Dion Phaneuf shot. He hasn’t played since and has yet to be cleared for contact. However, he could actually travel with the team as early as next week, which is tremendous news.
Some have questioned whether or not Lupul would fit back into the lineup, with the team performing well. It’s kind of a hilarious question when you consider the fact that Lupul is one of the two best players for this club. It’s a no brainer that he’ll be back into the lineup as soon as he’s available.
When he does return, it will be an enormous boost for the Maple Leafs. He had a career year last season, with 67 points, including 25 goals. Aside from Phil Kessel, he’s the biggest offensive threat this team has.
Despite the fact that the Leafs are currently a top ten team in the league, as far as goals per game go (with about three per), getting Joffrey Lupul back into the lineup is going to be huge from them. They’ve managed to contend without him. Getting him back is a huge addition, without having to surrender the pieces that you would in a trade.
His return is on the horizon, and will be a huge boost for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
