The Toronto Maple Leafs seem likely to start the season with a handful of key players on the shelf due to injury. That could potentially include superstar winger Phil Kessel, who was clearly hobbled at the Maple Leafs' skate on Saturday and left practice very early:

Randy Carlyle says Kessel gave it a try this morning and just didn't feel good. — Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) October 4, 2014

Kessel has proven enormously durable during his Maple Leafs tenure, but missed Friday evening's preseason contest against the Detroit Red Wings with what Randy Carlyle vaguely described as "general soreness."

As for Kessel's mate, both room and line, Tyler Bozak spent Saturday working out off the ice, which would imply that he's nearly ready to return to action.

More to come...