TORONTO — Frederik Andersen is not expected to return to the lineup for the Toronto Maple Leafs until Saturday at the earliest, although he could be sidelined until Monday.
Toronto’s next game is at the New Jersey Devils on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; MSG+, TSN4, NHL.TV). But Andersen, who has missed the past six games with a groin injury, said he hopes to play when the Maple Leafs host the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday.
“I feel good, I think it’s progressing really well but right now, we’re looking towards Saturday to be the day that I’m coming back. But like I said, it’s progressing really well,” said Andersen, who practiced in full Wednesday for the third time since he was injured Dec. 22.
However, coach Mike Babcock wasn’t sure Toronto’s No. 1 goalie would be ready by then.
“I don’t think Freddie will be going until [Monday against the Colorado Avalanche] from what I hear, so we’ll just see,” Babcock said. “He’s got to get ready and you’ve got to be ready to stop the puck when you go in.”
Andersen is 20-9-1 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in 30 games. The 29-year-old was second in the NHL with 20 wins, one behind Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, before the injury.
“We’ve been diligent about how we’ve been going on about it, so we’re just going to continue that and make sure I don’t rush it back,” Andersen said.
Michael Hutchinson , who was acquired in a trade with the Florida Panthers on Dec. 29, is expected to make his fourth straight start for the Maple Leafs on Thursday with Andersen and backup Garret Sparks injured. Sparks has not practiced in full since sustaining a concussion in practice Jan. 2, meaning Kasimir Kaskisuo likely will be recalled from Toronto of the American Hockey League to be the backup.
The Maple Leafs (27-13-2, 56 points) are second in the Atlantic Division, 12 points behind the NHL-leading Tampa Bay Lightning. They are 3-3-0 in Andersen’s absence.
Toronto forward Zach Hyman will return to the lineup Thursday after missing eight games with an ankle injury. Hyman practiced in full for the first time since he was injured Dec. 18, playing left wing on a line with center John Tavares and right wing Mitchell Marner.
“I’m excited being able to skate with the guys and I’m excited for the game tomorrow,” said Hyman, who has 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 32 games this season. “It’s hard watching but it’s good to be back, just getting back into the swing of things.”
“We like his skill to be able to get the puck back, get to the net, play with good players, play heavy, penalty kill, take right hand face-offs, I think those things are important for us,” Babcock said. “Obviously we missed him. He’s been out long enough. It’s going to take him a little bit to get his hands back but we’re excited to have him, obviously. He gives us a deeper team.”
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