Toronto Maple Leafs’ defenseman Conor Timmins returned to practice on Tuesday, telling reporters on Tuesday that he is fully cleared to play after dealing with mononucleosis.
Timmins hasn’t played since the team’s Jan. 24 matchup vs. the Winnipeg Jets. Spending most of the season either injured or a healthy scratch, Timmins has played 16 games, scoring a goal and five assists for six points.
In two seasons with Toronto, Timmons has three goals and 17 assists for 20 points in 41 games, averaging 15:40 of ice time. Through five NHL seasons with the Maple Leafs, Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche, Timmins has three goals and 24 assists for 27 points in 82 games.
The team has dealt with a rash of injuries in the last few games, including veteran blueliner Mark Giordano (concussion). Timmins being a right-handed defenseman will add some balance to a left-handed heavy lineup. Right now, Timmins, Timothy Liljegren and the newly-acquired Ilya Lyubushkin are the only right-handed defenseman playing for Toronto.
After losing 4-1 to the Boston Bruins on Monday, the Maple Leafs’ next game is at home on Wednesday against the Buffalo Sabres. Toronto’s record is 35-18-8 with 78 points, going 8-2-0 in their last 10 games. They’re third in the Atlantic Division, six points behind the Bruins and 10 points behind the division-leading Florida Panthers. At the moment, they’re six points ahead of the Detroit Red Wings, who hold one of the two Wild Card spots.
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