Jake Gardiner is making strides towards a return but remains doubtful to suit up on Saturday.

The Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman skated with the team on Tuesday but did not take part in the full practice session.

Gardiner, who is recovering from post-concussion symptoms, has yet to be cleared for contact.

Gardiner skated a little over 15 min.Last year the policy was a player had to practice symptom free for several days.

— David Alter (@DavidAlter590) January 15, 2013

Leafs coach Randy Caryle said Gardiner has a chance to play in the team’s season opener but he would need to practice with the team, something he was unable to do early this week.

Carlyle implied that if Gardiner skated, he could play, but I’m pretty sure he meant with the team, which he didn’t do.

— David Alter (@DavidAlter590) January 15, 2013

In other Leafs news, James van Riemsdyk has a bruised foot after he was hit by a Mike Komisarek shot during practice Tuesday.

The Leafs forward left the ice, where x-rays revealed was no break in his foot. It remains unclear if he will make his Leafs debut on Saturday.

Leafs forward Colton Orr has a dislocated finger and there is no timetable for his return.

Defenceman Cody Franson has joined the Leafs training camp.
Franson had been playing in Sweden for Brynas during the NHL lockout. A restricted free agent, he had to sort out his contract situation before pulling on a Toronto jersey again.
The big blue-liner, who had five goals and 16 assists for the Leafs last season, took part in practice.
He collected three goals and four assists in 26 games in Sweden.

The Maple Leafs open up their season against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.

With files from Canadian Press