'He's Real Close': When the Maple Leafs Expect Joel Edmundson's Return to the Lineup

Joel Edmundson could return to the Maple Leafs lineup with a few games to spare before the playoffs begin.

The 30-year-old participated in Toronto's practice on Friday and the team's morning skate on Monday, but won't be in the lineup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. A return to the Maple Leafs' lineup is within reach, though.

"He's close. There's a possibility for him this week," said Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe on Monday morning. "Not today or tomorrow, but if he continues to progress, he'll see the doctors soon to get that final assessment of where he's at. He's real close."

Edmundson hasn't played since Mar. 24 when he blocked a shot with his foot which caused the injury, per TSN's Darren Dreger. The defenseman appeared in six games before getting hurt and averaged 18:13 of ice time in that span.

Toronto acquired Edmundson from the Washington Capitals on Mar. 7 in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, while the Capitals also retained 50% of the defenseman's $3.5 million annual average value.

He has one goal and five points — all while with Washington — in 51 games this season.

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