Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin returns to practice

After missing over two weeks with a concussion, The Leafs Nation’s David Alter reports that defenseman Jake Muzzin is back at team practice Sunday.

Muzzin’s last appearance for Toronto was January 15, in which he was credited with four shots on goal in a rollercoaster 6-5 win against the St. Louis Blues. He’s been out since, putting pressure on Toronto’s defensive depth to step up.

With Toronto playing Monday, the first day of NHL games post-All-Star break, they were one of the few teams league-wide to hold a practice.

Through 35 games played this season, Muzzin has a goal and 10 assists for 11 points. He’s one of just three players on the active roster with a negative plus-minus rating, a sign of what’s been a tough season for him personally.

Alter also reports that Muzzin wasn’t utilized in the regular defense pairing rotation at practice, a sign that his return may not be coming Monday against the Carolina Hurricanes. It’s possible that Rasmus Sandin continues to get a look in the team’s top four alongside Justin Holl, in what’s been a solid breakout season for the young Sandin.