Toronto Maple Leafs Open Training Camp in Etobicoke

TSN’s Frank Seravalli reported the news that the oft injured forward would miss at least part of the season late on Wednesday, with Lupul expected to address the media on Thursday.

With the World Cup of Hockey occupying attention at the Air Canada Centre some 14 kilometres to the east, the Toronto Maple Leafs opened their centennial season somewhat under the radar Thursday.

Joffrey Lupul has suffered another injury setback.

The 29-42-11 Leafs posted the worst record in the league last season, finishing out of the playoffs for the 10th time in 11 seasons. “He got on the ice and had the same discomfort”.

Lupul did issue a statement about his failed physical and being put on IR.

For Leafs fans, Lupul’s press conference will shed more light on the situation and potentially help end all speculation as to what the team will do with the former alternate-captain’s large contract. It was also a bit curious to hear comments from Nazem Kadri on Lupul’s status heading into training camp.

That gives the Leafs an opportunity to put Lupul’s $5.25 million average salary alongside the $5.3 million of Nathan Horton (back) and $3 million of Stephane Robidas (knee) on long-term injured reserve when the season starts. They will go on sale at 8:30 a.m. each day with proceeds going to KidSport Nova Scotia. If the Commissioner has reason to believe that the Injured Reserve List or Injured Non-Roster status has not been utilized properly by the involved Club or otherwise Circumvents any provision of this Agreement, or if he determines that the Club has used the Injured Reserve and/or Injured Non-Roster designations to evade the Active Roster limit, he may take such disciplinary action against the Club as he deems appropriate. “It will be a different voice for a week, not a different language”.

Placing Lupul on long term injury reserve would be a potential cap saving of his $5.25 million United States salary for now, with another year to run on his deal. “It’s a very exciting time to be a player for the Maple Leafs, and a very exciting time to be a fan”.