Dakota Joshua is stuck in Detroit after suffering a frightening kidney injury

Earlier this morning, it was revealed that Chris Tanev and Dakota Joshua would not be playing against the New Jersey Devils tonight. It was also revealed that Auston Matthews was a game-time decision.

This has sparked all kinds of concerns about the Maple Leafs' ability to win and their longevity over an entire season as the injuries continue to mount.

However, a new report from Elliotte Friedman suggests that Joshua's injury is a lot more serious than anyone could have ever imagined.

In fact, the forward is still in Detroit as he is dealing with an injury to his kidney. As Friedman explains, the forward went into the boards against the Red Wings and ended up suffering a difficult injury.

It is unclear what Joshua is doing in Detroit right now. Considering this is a kidney injury, one could speculate that the player is getting tests done at a hospital.

Whatever the case may be, this is one of those injuries that you must take seriously, and you cannot rush back from it, as it affects a vital organ.

Tonight, the Leafs have called up Jacob Quillan and Matt Benning for the game against the New Jersey Devils, and it remains to be seen if either will play.

For now, the concern rests with Dakota Joshua, who might have to miss more than just tonight's game against the Devils. The same can be said for Chris Tanev, who could be out a while.

This is just another notch in a difficult season for the Maple Leafs, where it feels like nothing has been going their way from the very beginning.

It's a sad sight, and our thoughts are with Dakota Joshua right now.