Leafs defenseman returns to the team, shares details of his leave of absence
Recently acquired defenseman, Erik Gustafsson, has been away from the Toronto Maple Leafs to tend to a personal matter. There was a cloud of uncertainty regarding his 18-month-old daughter - even before he was traded from Washington - but now there is finally some clarity.
Gustafsson's daughter, Lusie, received a proper diagnosis to what was ailing her for some time in the form of celiac. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine when gluten is ingested.
They were extremely concerned because they brought her to the doctor about a month and a half ago but had no idea what was wrong. Neither he nor his wife had any history with with celiac disease either. Her condition worsened so Gustafsson had to leave the team on the 24th of March.
Gustafsson said that:
"They said all the blood work was great and continue to feed her with whatever she eats. All she was eating was gluten. She's doing well now and they're all at home now. Very happy that our daughter is healthy and is ok. Very happy to be back with the team too. We're very happy. It's going to be a process to get her back to 100 percent, but now we know. We're a gluten family now."
The Maple Leafs acquired the offensive defenseman and a first round pick from the Washington Capitals for Rasmus Sandin. He came with 38 points under his belt but has only recorded an assist in 8 games with Toronto - part of that having to do with his ice-time dropping from 20 minutes a night to 15 with the mass depth the Leafs possess.
He has returned to the team, partook in the team's warmup ahead of their game against Columbus on Tuesday night, and now his focus is on his conditioning and being ready for whenever his name is drawn in the lineup.
Gustafsson also watched every game while he was away and the team was in constant communication with the player to see how his daughter, Lusie, was doing.
He won't be in the lineup against the Boston Bruins tonight but Sheldon Keefe isn't all too worried about that either:
"It's going to take a little bit here for him. Yesterday was his first real practice in a couple weeks. We'll continue to work with him but we're certainly thrilled to have him back."
