A key member of the defensive corps for the Toronto Maple Leafs was not present at Tuesday`s practice session.
According to head coach Craig Berube, Oliver Ekman-Larsson was absent from the ice as he is currently battling an illness.
The 33-year-old defenseman has participated in all ten of Toronto`s playoff contests, contributing two goals and two assists while playing on the team`s third defensive pairing alongside Simon Benoit.
During practice, Jani Hakanpaa stepped in for Ekman-Larsson. Hakanpaa had only played two regular-season games this year due to injury issues.
The Maple Leafs are currently tied 2-2 in their second-round series against the Florida Panthers. Game 5 is scheduled to take place in Toronto on Wednesday.
Tristan Blackwood