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'Read Into That What You Will': Mitch Marner Skates For First Time Since Suffering Lower-Body Injury Against Bruins
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Mitch Marner took a small step in the right direction regarding recovery from a lower-body injury.

The 26-year-old forward skated on Wednesday for the first time since suffering the injury on Mar. 7 against the Boston Bruins, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said following the team's practice on Wednesday.

After creating a scoring chance in the Bruins' end during the second period, Marner fired a shot before landing on his right leg. He was slow to get up and went right to the bench after falling on the ice.

Although Keefe gave a tidbit on Marner's recovery, saying the forward skated, he didn't have an update on where the Maple Leafs forward could be in his recovery.

"No update on Mitch," Keefe added. "He did skate today, so read into that what you will."

Marner's injury came at a crucial point in what could be a career year for the right winger. His 76 points in 62 games this season is just 23 shy of his career-high 99 points in 80 games he had last year.

Keefe mentioned earlier this week that it's "unlikely" Marner plays in Philadelphia against the Flyers on Thursday night. With the forward likely ruled out, it allowed the Maple Leafs to shuffle the lines a bit before heading out to Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon.

"I mean, of course you'd like to solidify some things and keep things consistent. But this time of year brings various different things. Right now, it's Mitch's injury, and that's a significant player that changes the outlook of our team pretty dramatically," Keefe said

"I think we have a pretty good sense of what lines and combinations have worked. We've been pretty consistent through the season for the most part. Obviously an adjustment with John (Tavares) and how we've used him in the last month or so."

Marner did not take the ice with the main group at practice on Wednesday but was present for team meetings. He leads the Leafs this season with 51 assists. The Leafs have been guarded when divulging specifics regarding Marner's injury. When pressed if if he was content that Marner's injury didn't appear to be serious upon further evaluation on Monday the coach remarked: "I'm not sure what serious means."

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Maple Leafs and was syndicated with permission.

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