Leafs call up defenceman Blacker from AHL

Jesse Blacker was sent back down to the Toronto Marlies on Thursday. CP

The Toronto Maple Leafs called up defenceman Jesse Blacker from the Toronto Marlies Monday morning.

The Leafs were short a defenceman after John-Michael Liles, who did not travel with the team, suffered an ankle sprain during Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins.

Blacker is not expected to play Monday when the Leafs take on the Boston Bruins.

In 53 games with the Marlies this season, Blacker has three goals, seven assists and 31 penalty minutes. It is Blacker’s second season in the AHL after spending parts of five seasons with the Windsor Spitfires and Owen Sound Attack in the OHL.

The 21-year-old was originally selected by Toronto in the second round (No. 58 overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft.

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