Toronto Maple Leafs Notes: Soshnikov Skating, Tavares Loyal to Long Island, Ramo Signs Overseas

It sounds like the Toronto Maple Leafs will once again be without forward Nikita Soshnikov when they take on the New York Islanders Tuesday night.

After missing the last two games with an upper-body injury, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nikita Soshnikov was back skating at practice on Monday. The 23-year-old Russian forward was the extra skater at practice and it seems likely that he will miss Tuesday’s game against the Islanders.

He did discuss his injury with The Athletic’s David Alter following practice, though. He said this injury is an older one that started bothering him about a month ago. He didn’t specify what exactly it was, but it’s clearly something he doesn’t want to rush back from.

Tavares Reiterates his Loyalty to Long Island

Anytime John Tavares is playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre, you can bank on the media grilling him about his future and if the 26-year-old has any intentions of returning home to possibly play for the Leafs.

More from Toronto Maple Leafs

• Maple Leafs Rumours: Half of NHL teams interested in Ilya Mikheyev
• Toronto Maple Leafs: How to address the goaltender position
• Leafs reward Timothy Liljegren with extension after breakout season
• Maple Leafs: Jack Campbell situation becoming increasingly uncertain
• Jason Spezza retires, joins Toronto Maple Leafs front office

As expected, Tavares was expressed his desire to stay in Long Island, but did also say that things can happen during negotiations.

“I’ve said it in the past, I want to be on the island. That’s where I hope everything works out,” said Tavares. “I think we all know there’s a lot more that goes into it than just saying you want to be there. Obviously, there’s negotiations that happen and there’s a process to go about, so for me it’s just going through all that. Like I said, I haven’t really thought too much about it. Obviously it’s coming sooner than later, but I’m just worrying about playing and helping this team get to the playoffs. I love playing here and obviously hope to be here.”

Take his comments however you like, but we’re 501 days until JT is a free agent. Not like anyone is counting or anything…

Ramo Signs Overseas

After a brief stint with the Toronto Marlies on a professional tyout contract, goaltender Karri Ramo has decided to go play overseas and has signed with the Lahti Pelicans in the Finnish Liiga.

Ramo’s contract with the Pelicans does have a clause that would allow him to get out of the deal up until the NHL’s Trade Deadline on March 1st. Although, it’s unlikely any NHL team would want Ramo after the Marlies released him from his PTO so he could rehab his knee in Finland.

He might get another shot with an NHL team at some point, but right now it seems like Finland is the best place for him to play and get back up to full strength.

Next: Maple Leafs are Now 'the Hunted' in the Eastern Conference

What do you think about Tavares wanting to stay with the Islanders? What do you think the chances are that he stays in Long Island? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.