TORONTO — Despite concerns about injured players impacting playoff teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to have a healthy roster as they head into Game 1 this weekend.

Defensemen Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, along with fourth-line center David Kämpf, are all recovering from upper-body injuries and are likely to be cleared to play in the opening game against the Ottawa Senators.

Coach Craig Berube expressed his positive outlook after the injured trio participated in Thursday`s optional morning skate, stating he is “fairly confident” they will be ready to play against Ottawa.

“I think they’re all in pretty good shape,” Berube commented. “I feel pretty good about it.”

To ensure they are fully recovered for the playoffs, none of the three players will participate in Thursday`s final regular-season game against the Detroit Red Wings.

They have all been absent from full-contact team practices since their injuries.

By Sunday, if they are to play, Ekman-Larsson will have been out for 11 days, while McCabe and Kämpf will have been sidelined for 18 days, suggesting they might be playing through some discomfort.

However, playing through minor injuries is common in hockey, especially during the playoffs.

Toronto will maintain their current lineup, including key players, for Thursday`s game against Detroit, similar to their lineup in Tuesday`s game against Buffalo.

Berube plans to manage the playing time of his star players, hoping to avoid any further injuries before the crucial playoff games.

“Just play the game,” Berube advised. “You can`t be preoccupied with worry or be hesitant. You need to play, but also be smart. And my role is to manage their minutes.”

Projected Maple Leafs lineup for Thursday`s game against Detroit Red Wings:

Knies – Matthews – Marner

Domi – Tavares – Nylander

McMann – Holmberg – Robertson

Lorentz – Laughton – Järnkrok

Rielly – Myers

Benoit – Tanev

Mermis – Carlo

Woll (starting goalie)

Stolarz