More Leafs return from COVID-19 list: ‘It felt like forever’

The Maple Leafs looked more and more like a full team Tuesday as they welcomed number one goalie Jack Campbell and several other players from the COVID-19 protocols.

But the rate at which they are whole again is still a process of feeling.

For defender Travis Dermott and forward Alex Kerfoot, recovering from the virus has been both a mental and physical challenge.

“It felt like forever to be away from the track, away from the guys,” Dermott said after his first practice Tuesday. “I’m very happy to see that the guys are slowing down coming back here, and that we have that core group of guys who fought pretty hard here.”

The Leafs, who have not played since Dec. 14, are preparing to host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena. They also had head coach Sheldon Keefe do a practice for the first time since the ordeal began during his trip to the West Coast, which was interrupted on December 18 in Vancouver, after three of four games were postponed, and Campbell returned to the network.

Forwards David Kämpf, Ilya Mikheyev and William Nylander remain on the COVID list. On defense, TJ Brodie also returned Tuesday, but Morgan Rielly, Rasmus Sandin and Jake Muzzin are still out.

For Dermott, known for his positive approach, 10 days dedicated to the protocols was a challenge.

“The last few days have been interesting to say the least,” he said. “I hope everyone had a good Christmas season, but mine was a little different.

“COVID hit me in Vancouver, and then it was a couple day adventure trying to get back (to Toronto). Then from there, I felt pretty good. So it was just one night for me in Vancouver that was kind of ugly. It was a bit stressful waiting for that negative test. But here we are now, and I was able to get it early enough that I could see some family members for the holiday season. “

But even that was turned upside down.

“I was back for a couple of days… I tested positive on the 18th and on the 23rd it tested negative… I was ready to receive my whole family for Christmas, but that stopped pretty quickly. Just that mixed with the cancellation of games, not knowing when he could get back on track or when he was going to test negative. That’s what made the last few days interesting. “

Kerfoot also tested positive in Vancouver, but chose to remain there for the rest of his time in quarantine: “I don’t have anyone at home in Toronto. I would go home to an empty apartment. “

Both Dermott and Kerfoot expressed hope that the Leafs and society will advance as the virus continues to spread.

“Hopefully now that I’ve had it, I can be a little good here,” Dermott said. “I know it’s possible to get it back again, but I hope now that I’ve been through it a bit, I have my antibodies working with me and I can get back to work… Things are going to happen and we just have to be ready for it. I am aware of what is happening in the world (but) you can do what you can every day, keep yourself and everyone around you as safe as possible, and in the meantime try to get some work done. “

Kerfoot added: “Obviously this virus, from the way it has mutated, is super super contagious… You can follow all the precautions and still get it. So everyone has to deal with it. “