Significant Developments Coming From Leafs Practice Involving Marner and Ekman-Larsson

Both Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Mitch Marner were absent from Monday's practice for 'maintenance' reasons, according to the Leafs' official PR team.

The absence of the 33-year-old defenseman wasn't much of a surprise given he left Saturday's game after the first period and did not return.

Marner's absence came as a surprise, however, given that he has played in every game for the Leafs this season and did not leave Saturday's game.

Following practice, Leafs head coach Craig Berube was non-committal to either playing Tuesday against the Flames.

Tuesday's morning skate was an unusual, full skate for the Leafs with Ekman-Larsson joining.

News wasn't as positive for Marner as he missed his second consecutive practice.

While it appears that Ekman-Larsson will draw back into the lineup Tuesday, Berube confirmed that he and Marner were still considered game-time decisions.

For Berube, he will have some difficult lineup decisions to make once the status of both players is confirmed closer to puck drop. At the very least, Marner's potential absence could be a blessing for the snake-bitten Max Domi, who skated in Marner's place at practice Monday.

Domi had most of his success last season in the second half when he was elevated alongside Auston Matthews and a game there may be what he needs to find his offensive stride again.

On the back end, Berube's recent comments suggest he would like another option available to him on the blueline. The Leafs recalled Dakota Mermis Monday so if OEL is unavailable, the undrafted defenseman may make his Leafs debut sooner than expected.