Toronto Maple Leafs Players Who Need to Step Up with Joffrey Lupul on IR

With just three points in his first 11 games, Toronto Maple Leafs winger Joffrey Lupul isn't even in the top 10 in scoring on his own team.

However, despite the low offensive production, Lupul had played well in several games before suffering yet another injury last week when he broke his hand. Head coach Randy Carlyle told the Canadian Press (h/t CBC) that the former Medicine Hat Tigers star will miss roughly three weeks of action.

Significantly, Lupul was suffering from a lack of puck luck, as he'd generated 29 shots in his first 11 games but had a shot percentage of just 6.90. All signs pointed to his finding the net with more regularity if he had remained healthy.

The Leafs have played well of late and will need to continue to do so as they embark on a road trip.

Let's take a look at the players who need to step up in Lupul's absence.

All stats can be found on NHL.com unless noted otherwise.

Nazem Kadri, Centre

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Nazem Kadri has been inconsistent in Toronto's first 11 games. He and Lupul have played together a lot, but neither player has sparked offensively.

Kadri will need to play strong two-way hockey in Lupul's absence. He needs to be a strong possession player since Lupul tends to generate a lot of shots; he's good along the wall, and his puck-retrieval skills are very good.

Kadri is a different type of player but is capable of playing a physical game. He can be a very effective player at both ends of the rink when he's at his inspired best.

Kadri needs to be better with Lupul out for several weeks.

Daniel Winnik, Forward

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Daniel Winnik has been a bright spot for the Leafs in 2014-15. He's tied for third in scoring and has been consistently solid this season.

Winnik's ice time is likely to increase, and with several upcoming games against Western Conference teams, he'll have some good tips on how to play them.

The second-line winger doesn't do any one thing spectacularly, but the club doesn't need that from him. If he can play strong defensive hockey and chip in with some timely goals, the loss of Lupul won't be as debilitating.

David Clarkson, Winger

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David Clarkson has had a decent start to 2014-15, especially in light of the disastrous season that was 2013-14.

Clarkson has been a physical force on most shifts. He's wreaked havoc on the forecheck and has outscored Lupul to date.

The one danger is that Clarkson will try and do too much in Lupul's absence. He's a great team player who wants to lead from the front. While that's an admirable trait, he needs to continue to play a defensive style and push for offence only when the opportunity presents itself.

If he can increase his points-per-game totals slightly without Lupul while playing good two-way hockey, the Leafs will be more than pleased.

Peter Holland, Forward

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Peter Holland is coming off a game-winning goal against the Chicago Blackhawks. He's not expected to do this on a nightly basis but has the tools to play a bigger role in the coming weeks.

Holland has great size and reach, being 6'2" and almost 200 pounds.

The former Anaheim Mighty Ducks draft pick has the skills and ability to be a top-six forward. He may get this opportunity on some nights with Lupul out.

If Holland scores on a relatively regular basis in the next month, the Leafs should be in the thick of the young playoff race.