The Four-Seamer

After colliding with Blackhawks defenceman Jim Vandermeer last night in Chicago, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mike Peca fell to the ice screaming and clutching his knee.

We all feared and expected the worst and a source familiar with the situation has informed Sportsnet that Leafs fans fears have indeed been realized. Peca is said to have torn his MCL and fractured his tibia in multiple places.

This is horrible news for a Toronto team that has really shored up its penalty kill thanks to Peca. Young players like Matt Stajan and Alex Steen are really going to have to step it up.

We at the Four Seamer feel the Leafs could be calling up a guy like Boyd Devereux from the farm to fill in for Peca. Devereux played in more than 500 NHL games so he should be able to fit right in.

The hope is Peca heals quickly like his good friend Mats Sundin because the Leafs will need him back in the lineup if they want to make a playoff push.