Joffrey Lupul last played an NHL game on Feb. 6, before being shut down for the remainder of last season with a sports hernia injury.
But with training camp set to begin Thursday, his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs isn’t exactly clear following an offseason of uncertainty as he recovered from the injury.
Lupul returned to Toronto from his off-season home on Sept. 13. Sometime during the last week, it’s believed Lupul underwent a physical examination by Maple Leaf doctors and indications are Lupul was notified he is unfit to play and will be placed on the injured reserve list to begin the season.
Lupul was asked to comment via text message Wednesday and replied he will address the media on Thursday. He has not skated with the group of Maple Leafs informally preparing for training camp daily at the MasterCard Centre.
The Maple Leafs declined comment on Wednesday. A press release from the team said its training camp roster will be released Thursday.
In 46 games last season, the 32-year-old Lupul scored 11 goals and 14 points before he was shut down.
Lupul also has two more years -- and a limited no-trade clause -- left on his current five-year contract, worth a total value of $26.25 million, as per General Fanager.