Sports surgeon Jason Smith spoke on the Real Kyper and Bourne show about the extent of Anthony Stolarz's injury and how it will affect the team going forward.
When Anthony Stolarz went down with a lower-body injury, fans were hopeful that it wasn't as serious as it potentially could be and the goaltender would be back in no time.
However, the unfortunate news is that Stolarz will be out for the next 4-6 weeks due to a procedure to get his knee cleared out after evaluations determined he had some debris causing discomfort.
Sport Surgeon Explains Potential Severity Of Anthony Stolarz's Injury
The timeline for the injury doesn't give Leafs fans hope, and sports surgeon Jason Smith gave his thoughts on the matter. Recently speaking on the Real Kyper and Bourne show, the doctor explained what the injury to Stolarz means for the Leafs:
'A loose body can be one of two things; a piece of cartilage or bone has come off and is floating around, or it's a piece of the meniscus; the shock-absorbing muscle between the two bones.It's kind of a nothing-burger. A loose body, clear it out, couple weeks till you're skating again. Four weeks he's back, if they wanna drag it out; 6 weeks. That's not a big deal.'
It was then when the doctor explained that it was more concerning how Stolarzacquired a loose body, as opposed to it being there in the first place:
That's the million dollar question; is this nothing or the tip of the iceberg? I listened to them say it has nothing to do with the past but he had an MCL reconstruction.
Anytime enough energy goes through a knee to require a ligament repair, the knee is getting old fast. He already had a big procedure, combine with six years on pro hockey, you worry there is more going on.
The loose body is no big deal, but I'm concerned about where did it come from and what does it mean big picture.'
It's worrying to hear that there is a potential for something else deeper when it comes to Stolarz's injury, and him already needing reconstructive surgery gives him less of a chance to recover efficiently.
He's also not exactly young, and while 30 isn't ancient when it comes to hockey players, combined with his history doesn't make the best combination.
Hopefully Stolarz can clear up the issues with his knee and try to make his way back as soon as he possibly can, especially if Toronto wants to keep their momentum rolling.
