Joffrey Lupul's future in Toronto remains in doubt.
As the Maple Leafs opened training camp Thursday with the 32-year-old forward on injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury, Lupul released the following statement through the team:
It is with deep regret that I will be unable to attend training camp and start the season with the Leafs due to injury. I pledge to work hard with a view to return to playing this season.
Hockey is the only life I have known. This is an extremely emotional time for me. Accordingly, I will not be making any further comment at this time.
Lupul, who last played Feb. 6, suited up in just 46 games last season due to a sports hernia, scoring only 11 goals and adding three assists.
In April, general manager Lou Lamoriello said he didn't know whether Lupul - under contract for two more years at an annual cap hit of $5.25 million - would be fit to play in 2016-17. It appears Toronto has its answer to that question.
Defenseman Stephane Robidas and forward Nathan Horton join Lupul on the IR, and neither will play for Toronto this season.