On Monday, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin signed a four-year contract extension.
In his first game after inking that deal, Muzzin exited with a hand injury.
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It came in the second period Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Muzzin was battling for position with Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli in front of Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen when a shot from the blue line hit him in the hand.
He was ruled out for the remainder of the game at the start of the third period.
After the game, Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said he didn’t know the extent of the injury and would wait for more information Wednesday.
If Muzzin is out long term, then the Leafs would have a huge void to fill as they fight for a playoff spot.
Toronto is already without Morgan Rielly as he rehabs from a broken foot, and its defense is among the worst in the NHL. The Leafs are tied for fifth-worst in the league with 3.27 goals allowed per game.
The Maple Leafs face the Panthers next, on Thursday in Sunrise, Fla.
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