Several Leafs exit protocol and return to practice on Thursday

The Leafs still have several players in protocol, but hey.. progress is progress, so let's not thumb our noses at that, and let's enjoy what we can before the team announces something not so pleasant.

The quartet of Leafs had entered COVID protocol on December 21st, along with goaltending coach Steve Briere, who was also back on the ice for practice on Thursday. Sandin is still dealing with a knee injury following a hit from Jets defender Neal Pionk earlier this month, but took to the ice, skating on the top pairing (left) with T.J. Brodie on his right.

Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin, Timothy Liljegren, and William Nylander are the players who currently remain in protocol. If the Leafs do indeed play their scheduled game in Ottawa on Saturday, it's likely that most or all of these players will remain out of the lineup.

The Leafs have Teemu Kivihalme, Alex Biega and Chad Krys skating with the team at practice as well, with Kivihalme and Biega lined up as the team's 3rd pair.