By Louis “King of Roncesvalles” Pisano

Leafs' defenseman and assistant captain Francios Beauchemin broke his left middle finger in the game against the Calgary Flames tonight at the ACC in Toronto.

X-rays confirmed the break, but being that it is the tip of the finger he shouldn’t miss any time on the blue-line for Toronto.

Though he won’t miss any time apparently, a broken finger isn’t something comfortable to shove in a glove and play a physical style of hockey with.

The great play and booming shot of young defenseman Carl Gunnarsson, which he showcased in his first game in the NHL tonight, albeit in a loss, might be in line for a little more ice-time with this injury.

Perhaps the Leafs may decide to let the finger heal and bring up another defenseman from the Marlies.

Bringing up Phil Oreskovic, who saw time in the pre-season and last season with the club, would be a good choice. Or they could opt for Jonas Frogren who was up with the big club most of last season.

Both can play the physical role that would be left open by the absence of Beauchemin.