Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner took to the ice Friday ahead of the team’s practice for the first time since suffering a back injury nearly a month ago.
The impending unrestricted free agent has 29 points in 60 games for the Leafs this season, who have gone 6-5-1 in his absence.
There is no timetable for his return.
Fellow injured D-man Travis Dermott was also skating and is expected to stay on the ice for practice for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury on Feb. 27. He was initially supposed to be sidelined for four-to-six weeks.
Toronto will host the New York Rangers at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday.
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