Leafs lose Joe Thornton to long-term injury

In case you missed it last night, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joe Thornton left his team's game against the Edmonton Oilers after taking a hard hit from Oilers forward Josh Archibald.

Here is the hit in question:

Joe Thornton “definitely” will miss some time after this hit tonight.

Don’t like that news. At all.
pic.twitter.com/BoWVuZyAvC
— Brodie Brazil (@BrodieNBCS) January 21, 2021

Looks harmless enough, but after the game Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe told the media that Thornton will "definitely" miss some time with an injury.

Sheldon Keefe says it "definitely" looks like Joe Thornton will miss some time. More tests needed.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) January 21, 2021

Sheldon Keefe on Joe Thornton: "It looks like he's definitely going to miss some time."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 21, 2021

While the nature of the injury hasn't been revealed, Thornton looked to be favouring his wrist as he headed to the Leafs' bench doubled over in pain. If that's the case, Thornton could miss some significant time. It's not exactly easy to play in the NHL with a wonky wrist.

Suffice it to say, this is a huge loss for the Leafs and for Thornton. The 41 year old free agent signing has one goal and two points in five games with the Leafs so far this season.