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Reports floating around this morning indicate the Maple Leafs will be forced to start the season without forward Nazem Kadri, who picked up a knee injury in Ottawa. TSN hockey insider Bob Mackenzie says the youngster could be on the shelf for as long as a month. The team is expected to confirm the injury this morning.

Other news on the injury front: Winger Phil Kessel is said to be battling some sort of groin strain and Tim Connolly is banged up after a tumble into the boards during practice earlier in the week.

On the plus side, Mike "The Moustache" Brown is set to make his preseason debut this weekend after recovering from off-season groin surgery complications (yikes) and Matthew Lombardi is scheduled to take the next step on the long road back from a concussion by playing in at least one of the remaining exhibition games against the Detroit Red Wings.

The links:

Mirtle gets The Globe and Mail's season preview rolling by taking a look at the Buffalo Sabres.

Toronto Star columnist Rosie DiManno says the NHL shouldn't be policing language.

Puck Daddy drops a Maple Leafs season preview.

Ron Wilson says Mikhail Grabovski is the toughest Maple Leaf.

National Post reporter Michael Traikos says the Kadri injury opens the door for Matt Frattin.

Brain Burke was on Prime Time Sports yesterday.

Toronto Sun columnist Rob Longley on the evolution of captain Dion Phaneuf.

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