When it comes to his shoulder, Connor Dewar’s mind is clear.
Around this time a year ago, the forward — then with the Minnesota Wild — concluded he would require shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum when the season ended.
In March, he was traded to the Maple Leafs and contributed key depth minutes in 17 regular-season games and six in the playoffs before he went under the knife in May.
The 25-year-old Manitoba native has found a comfort zone in his return to the Leafs lineup, skating in his 10th game on Friday night against Washington.
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“When hockey is taken away from you like it was for me a little bit (during his months-long recovery), it’s a reset and there’s more of an appreciation for what I get to do every day,” Dewar said. “I came out on the other end being better for it.
“It was the first major injury I’ve ever had playing hockey. I know for a lot of guys, there are some dark days when you have surgery and you’re (thinking), ‘Can I ever get back to where I was?’ The irrational fear is that you’re going to forget how to play hockey.”
Of course, that didn’t happen for Dewar. With David Kampf injured, Dewar has supplied solid play on the fourth line and on the penalty kill.
“He has provided some real energy for us,” coach Craig Berube said. “I’ve been happy with him. He gets on top of things, finishes his checks. He has been very useful.”
Dewar’s gameday routine is back in familiar territory, which helps.
“Coming to the rink last year, part of my preparation was ‘Here we go again, let’s hope it holds on well enough,’” Dewar said. “I’d spend a lot of time before the game worrying about my shoulder, getting my shoulder ready to go.
“Now, it’s nice to have that comfort knowing that it’s stable and strong. There’s still stuff you have to do with it, but it’s but not as intensive as it was before.”
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