Clarkson suffered a broken orbital bone in Friday's preseason game vs. the Sabres. We all remember Clarkson starting last season with a 10-game suspension for leaving the bench to engage with John Scott, well this time he got injured in a fight with Cody McCormick. Now a guy who is costing your team over $5 million a season, probably should not be fighting in a meaningless preseason game. Clarkson does not need surgery which is a positive, but the Leafs' frustration with the 30-year-old must be growing.

The Toronto Maple Leafs surprised everyone two years ago by making the playoffs and last year they surprised their fans who thought that they were pretty much a lock to return but fell a few points shy of the 8th and final playoff spot. During this past off-season the Leafs held steady except for signing a few role players to round out their forward lines by inking one-time Leaf Matt Frattin and also Mike Santorelli. The belief is that the existing core of forwards will improve and take that next step.  Gone is Nikolai Kulemin. The Leafs also kept their goaltending duo of Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer intact, both of whom should improve upon last season's numbers. GOALIES In what many believed was to be a 50-50 split in games started between Bernier and Reimer, it was Bernier who basically won over the starting job as he started in 49 of the 55 games he played in. In his first stint as a starter, Bernier posted a 26-19-7 record with a 2.69 GAA and a .923 SP.  Not great, but a better than Reimer's numbers of 3.29 and .911 respectively.  Expect Bernier to get the lion's share of starts this season.  There were rumors that Reimer would be traded but for now, he is a more than qualified backup to Bernier. DEFENSE There wasn't much change on defense during the summer except for the free-agent signing of former Dallas D-man Stephane Robidas. Robidas should bring more veteran presence to the blueline along with Dion Phaneuf. Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner, as well as Cody Franson, should give the best chances at production. There has been word that Gardiner will assume more of an offensive responsibility, and if that is the case and Rielly progresses, Franson's numbers could take a hit. With this defense corps, you probably would see high offensive production, but each of the top four could get approximately 40 points each. FORWARDS There is no doubt that Phil Kessel is the go-to guy on this squad. Kessel was on pace to surpass his best season high in points of 82 amassed in 2011-2012 but fell short because of a dry spell he hit towards the end of last season.  Expect his production to progress a little more, possibly into the 90's as he is hitting his prime.  IF you miss out on Kessel, don't let James van Riemsdyk slip too far as he is ready for another jump in points. Last season saw his point totals hit 61 with 30 goals.   I'm sure the Flyers are wishing they had him back now.  CenterTyler Bozak enjoyed having Kessel on his wing, so much so that ...

Clarkson was questionable to play after leaving practice right away this morning. Fraser McLaren will draw in on the fourth line.

The Maple Leafs will make a decision on Clarkson's status later in the day. Expect an update a few hours prior to game-time.

Clarkson has reportedly been battling a leg injury recently. Expect an update following the morning skate on whether or not Clarkson will available tonight.

Clarkson missed the last eight games with an elbow issue. Troy Bodie is expected to be scratched with Clarkson returning. He has eight points (3G / 5A) in 36 games this season.

Clarkson has missed the last eight games with an elbow issue, but it sounds like he is going to play on Tuesday or Thursday. Clarkson has just eight points (3G / 5A) and a minus-5 rating in 36 games this season.

Clarkson had a procedure ton remove a Bursa Sac and had been skating on his own, before joining his teammates today. However he only last about 15 minutes with the squad before leaving for the dressing room. He remains OUT, until he can fully participate with the team.

Clarkson will miss his fourth consecutive game tonight and will likely miss at least the next three games as well.

Clarkson is expected to miss at least one week. He has struggled this season so this likely won't hurt fantasy teams or the Maple Leafs too much. Expect them to recall a forward before Saturday.