Maple Leafs' Nikita Soshnikov: Dealing with lower-body injury

Soshnikov isn't skating with his teammates due to a lower-body injury, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

Analysis:

Soshnikov has yet to be cleared for contact, and remains without a definitive timetable for his return to the ice. The 22-year-old Russian notched five points (two goals, three assists) in 11 games with the Leafs last season, and will want to return to action as soon as possible to begin proving he's worthy of a spot on Toronto's Opening Night roster.