Ryan O’Reilly broke his finger over the weekend

Ryan O’Reilly managed to record eight points in a Maple Leafs jersey before getting injured against the Vancouver Canucks. AOP / USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs have set by Ryan O’Reilly to the list of long-term injured patients (long-term injured reserve). LTI status means an absence of at least 24 days.

A teammate by Auston Matthews a shot broke O’Reilly’s finger in a match over the weekend.

– The loss is hard and sad, coach Sheldon Keefe stated on the NHL’s website.

– However, we got him with the playoffs in mind. When you look at the big picture and the quality of the injury, this is not such a bad thing.

O’Reilly is the February special acquisition of the Maple Leafs, who are desperately seeking Stanley Cup success. He picked up the Conn Smythe during the St. Louis Blues’ championship season four years ago.

– In a short time, we have seen what he brings and how we can use him in different roles. The effect on the team can be seen, Keefe commented.

– It’s good to know that we can get him healthy and ready for the playoffs. I bet that he will still have time to play a bit of the regular season.

The regular season ends in mid-April. The Maple Leafs are in second place in the Atlantic division.