Injuries could make some decisions easier for the Maple Leafs when the training camp phase moves to cuts next week. 

While young centre Fraser Minten went past reporters in a walking boot after suffering a high left ankle sprain last week, forward Steven Lorentz was not at Friday’s practice with an upper body injury. Coach Craig Berube said the member of the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, here on a PTO contract, was day-to-day, but any extended absence won’t help his chances. Lorentz had started out on the fourth line with David Kampf and Ryan Reaves. 

This year’s first-round draft pick, defenceman Ben Danford from the Oshawa Generals, is on the ice, but practising alone as he recovers from a concussion. 

And though defenceman Jani Hakanpaa was already designated to skate with the third group at this camp, made up of development and injured players, he’s kept a low profile with his still tender knee issue. 

   

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