Leafs top pair defenseman returns to practice and is nearing return

The 32-year-old defenseman has only been able to suit up for 28 games this year after he first missed a month with an oblique injury that he sustained in November. He then returned at the beginning of December and played in 13 games before going down with a rib injury that has kept him sidelined since the 7th of January.

The Leafs defense has gone through a myriad of injuries this season with the likes of Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin, and T.J. Brodie being out of the lineup at the same time. On the season, Brodie has 2 goals and 8 points in 28 games, has a plus 8 rating, averages 21:09 TOI, and has 47 blocked shots.

The Leafs will end the month of January with 4 games this week against the likes of the New York Islanders, the New York Rangers, the Ottawa Senators, and the Washington Capitals and then start the month of February against the Boston Bruins. In other words, 3 playoff teams, 1 playoff bubble, and a Provincial rival. Nearing full health - with the exception of Muzzin - the Leafs would welcome his return with open arms.