TORONTO -- Maple Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle met with a specialist today and his return to game action -- once thought to be last Saturday, then delayed to this weekend -- is not expected to be until next Wednesday.

The all-star has continued to have his clearance postponed because of a crack in the bone of his right hand. It was originally hurt in late January in Colorado. After returning for two games, Kaberle re-injured the same hand three weeks ago and has yet to play since.

"The specialists told me they want to be sure it's fine and make sure it doesn't happen again," Kaberle said Tuesday, after being one of the last players to leave the ice after practice. "There are no guarantees, but next week, that's the target. Hopefully I'll be back for good. Then I won't have to worry about anything else."

Toronto head coach Ron Wilson confirmed that after consulting with team doctors, Kaberle is likely to go April 1 against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Kaberle maintained he has not even entertained the thought of shutting it down for the season.

"I want to come back," he said. "Obviously it would be for the six games left. That would give me plenty of chances to test myself with this team. You can always improve yourself."