Maple Leafs notes: Robidas set to retire; Lupul recovering from surgery

TORONTO – Stephane Robidas’ NHL career appears to be done.

The veteran blueliner missed the entire 2015-16 season and his agent told Yahoo Canada Sports on Monday that “it doesn’t look promising” for Robidas to return for the 2016-17 season – the final year of his three-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“After missing a full season of hockey it will be very hard for Stephane to get back playing,” said Pat Brisson. “Especially after going through what he went through, and considering his age.”

Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello admitted on Sunday he was unsure of the blueliner's future.

"That's an unknown," Lamoriello said during with his end of season meeting with the media. "He'll be here (at training camp), but whether he can (participate) or not, I don't know. That's an unknown. It could be, his career could be over, we don't know."

Robidas last game in a Leafs uniform came during the preseason, a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, on Oct. 2. The defenceman was a plus-1 with one hit and had 18 minutes and 30 seconds of ice time. At the time, Leafs coach Mike Babcock told reporters that Robidas' play was hindered by multiple injuries.

"His knee has been sore all camp, it's affecting his groin now," Babcock said in October.

When asked in January, Brisson admitted his client's injuries were "not progressing well enough to get back yet."

Robidas has one year remaining on his three-year, $9 million contract with a cap hit of $3 million. The 39-year-old had one goal and an assist while averaging just over 17 minutes a night ice time in 52 games last season with Toronto.

Lupul progressing well after surgery

During his season wrap-up media availability on Sunday, Lamoriello also said “that’s an unknown right now” with regards to the health of forward Joffrey Lupul.

Lupul underwent sports hernia surgery in February and missed the remainder of the season. According to Lupul’s agent, Peter Semonick, the 32-year-old is progressing well.

“His recovery is going fine and he's doing light workouts right now,” Semonick said. “I believe he just started skating lightly - everything is light right now.”

Lupul appeared in 46 games for the Leafs during the 2015-16 season scoring 11 goals and three assists. He has two seasons remaining on his five-year, $26.25 million contract with a cap hit of $5.25 million.

Semonick said there was no concern over his client not being ready for the start of training camp or his availability to play next season.

“Nothing other than the surgery he just had,” Semonick said.

The oft injured forward has never played all 82 games in a season and was limited to just 16 games during the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season.

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