Dave Bolland injury: Maple Leafs forward out indefinitely

Dave Bolland will miss a significant chunk of time, which further exacerbates the Maple Leafs’ troubles at center.

Nov 4, 2013, 6:17 PM UTC

Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sport

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dave Bolland successfully underwent surgery on his lacerated leg, the team announced Monday afternoon.

Bolland had the outside of his left ankle lacerated while taking a check from Vancouver Canucks forward Zack Kassian on Saturday night. The Maple Leafs stated that Bolland had a tendon cut in his ankle, which was repaired on Sunday. A timetable has yet to established, as he is listed as out indefinitely.

The center had established a prominent role in Toronto's lineup and quickly became a favorite of head coach Randy Carlyle, who described the injury as being similar to that of Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson. Karlsson had his Achilles tendon lacerated last February and was able to return in April. How similar the injury is to Karlsson's remains to be seen, as Carlyle's reference is likely more anecdotal than literal.

The injury to Bolland is further exacerbated by the hamstring injury to Tyler Bozak, which has kept him out of the lineup since Oct. 25 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Toronto updated his status by announcing he had been placed on long-term injured reserve retroactive to Nov. 2.

This means the Maple Leafs will need to fill a significant hole up the middle. Reports from practice on Monday indicated that James van Riemsdyk was receiving time at center between Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel. Van Reimsdyk has only played wing at the professional level but played some center at the University of New Hampshire (reassuring to Leafs fans everywhere, likely).

When Toronto acquired van Riemsdyk, the team had publicly acknowledged the potential of his playing center. That idea was quickly scrapped, but might have found new momentum in lieu of the injuries.