While there might be some cause for concern in relation to Mitch Marner's sudden lengthy absence from the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup, the star forward is not being rushed back as the club is opting to simply err on the side of caution with the post-season right around the corner, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
Marner was injured on the 7th of March in a contest against the Boston Bruins and while he finished the game, he's been sidelined ever since and hasn't returned to practice just yet. However, Dreger pointed out on Monday that if the Maple Leafs were desperate, trying to lock up a playoff position today or if they were in the playoffs right now, Marner would be in the lineup, stipulating that not only is he nearing a return but the injury isn't as serious as some have stated.
In his absence, the Maple Leafs have gone 4-2-1 with convincing victories against the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals and the Edmonton Oilers where they outscored their opponents 21-8. They could have used his playmaking ability in last night's narrow defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes but there's optimism that Marner is turning the corner on his high-ankle sprain.
Toronto has 12 games remaining in the regular season and are currently holding onto the third position in the Atlantic Division. They are 8 points back of the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins for 1st and 2nd, respectively, while holding a narrow edge over the Tampa Bay Lightning who are 4 points back and play the Maple Leafs twice more.
