The Maple Leafs have provided a highly-anticipated update on Mitch Marner, revealing the nature of his injury and projected return date.
Mitch Marner missed his second consecutive practice on Tuesday with an injury and was ultimately ruled out of the Leafs' victory over the Calgary Flames with a 'lower-body injury' and is considered day-to-day.
Following the 6-3 win over Leafs GM Brad Treliving's former team, Craig Berube was asked about Marner's status for Thursday's game in Seattle.
'I'm hoping he's available next game. We'll see how he reacts tomorrow. He was better today, so that was a good sign.'
While Berube was optimistic about the pending UFA's return on Thursday, during the broadcast of the game on TSN, Darren Dreger revealed the nature of Marner's injury, noting that he is dealing with 'stiffness', but that it is not considered serious at this point.
Dreger also noted that while not serious currently, should he miss Thursday's game, some doubt will be cast on his availability for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Marner, whose extension became more complicated with rising salary cap numbers, was one of four Leafs to skate in the previous 52 games this year where he tallied 16 goals and 54 assists.
The 27-year-old is currently on pace for his seventh consecutive point-per-game (or more) season, but is still in search of his first 100+ point campaign. With an off-day on Wednesday, no further update on his recovery is expected until the morning skate Thursday at the earliest.
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