The Toronto Maple Leafs have activated Calle Jarnkrok from long-term injured reserve, the club announced late on Monday, paving the way for the veteran forward to make his season debut.
Jan 18, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Calle Jarnkrok (19) during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Jarnkrok has been skating with the Maple Leafs since the team returned from the 4 Nations Break last month. The forward was injured in training camp and underwent surgery for a sports hernia in November.
Jarnkrok told reporters during the club's recent road trip that he was waiting for the final medical clearances before finally returning. It's evident he got those clearances and is expected to make his season debut when the Leafs host the San Jose Sharks at Scotiabank Arena. He will skate on the team's fourth line as the right wing alongside Connor Dewar and David Kampf.
"He's played a long time in the league. He knows how to play. He's practiced really well. He looks good. I expect him to have a good energy out there," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Jarnkrok. "He's a smart player. That line could be effective in both ends of the rink.
"I think they can get us some opportunities to score some goals, but that should be a good line that can check and go against any of their lines tonight."
The 33-year-old Swede was limited to 10 goals and 11 assists in 52 games last season. To make room for him on the roster, the club sent down forward Alex Steeves. Toronto also had to restore Jarnkrok's $2.1 million salary cap hit just four days before the NHL trade deadline.
The Leafs have $876,562 remaining in cap space following Jarnkrok's addition to the active roster.
