Kerfoot's status for opening night seems murky after it was announced Monday that the forward was week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The 31-year-old has only missed one game in the last five seasons due to injury, and is coming off a disappointing 11-goal, 28-point campaign in 2024-25.
Kerfoot did not play Utah's previous game due to an illness but he will draw back into the lineup on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. The 30-year-old Kerfoot is averaging 15:17 time-on-ice and has 24 points (11G / 13A) in 77 games this season.
Kerfoot was a surprise scratch on Tuesday, with the club not announcing his absence prior to warmups. Michael Carcone will draw into the lineup in his place.
Kerfoot was set to become an unrestricted free-agent on July 1st, but will instead remain in Utah next season on a $3-million dollar cap hit. Kerfoot has seven goals and nine assists in 61 games this season.
Kerfoot played the last four years in Toronto, where he had a career-high 51 points (13G / 38A) in 82 games during the 2022 season. His role diminished in 2023 and he finished with just 32 points (10G / 22A) in 82 games. Kerfoot has the versatility to play all three positions and will likely move up and down the Coyotes' lineup throughout the 2023-24 season.
This is the first time the Maple Leafs have been impacted by COVID-19 with Kerfoot and John Tavares landing in protocol. Kerfoot will likely miss at least 10 days.
Kerfoot was suspended forces hit on Erik Johnson last Saturday but will replace Jason Spezza on the third line on Saturday. Kerfoot has be relatively quiet offensively for Toronto, scoring five goals with three assists (eight points) in 22 games this season.
Kerfoot hit his former teammate from behind in Saturday's game and has been suspended for the last two games of the Maple Leafs road-trip. With Kerfoot out, Dmytro Timashov will likely draw back into the lineup on Wednesday.
Kerfoot's injury originally occurred on November 5th vs.the Kings but played through it as long as he could. Kerfoot ultimately elected to undergo surgery and will miss some time. Jason Spezza is expected to replace him as the Maple Leafs' third-line centre and will also see the PP2 time while Kerfoot is sidelined.
Kerfoot will be replaced by AJ Greer, who was recalled from the AHL. Kerfoot has had a solid season and should be considered questionable for Colorado’s back-to-back on Friday and Saturday.
Kerfoot will miss his second straight game with a leg injurey that he suffered on Monday. With Kerfoot out, the Avalanche will go back with the same 11 forward, seven defenseman lineup that played on Tuesday.
Kerfoot played just 7:41 TOI before leaving last night’s game in Pittsburgh with a lower-body injury. With the Avalanche back in action on Tuesday, Kerfoot should be considered questionable at best. Expect the Avalanche to update Kerfoot’s status closer to game-time.
Kerfoot has averaged 12:57 TOI/GM in his first 14 games of the season, but played 20:49 TOI after Duchene was traded mid-game in Brooklyn. The rookie centre has five goals and four assists (nine points) to start his NHL career and will have even more opportunities now that he takes Duchene’s spot on the second line.
