Following the shocker of a trade that saw pending unrestricted free agent Mikko Rantanen get traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, could the same happen to Mitch Marner? The Toronto Maple Leafs received some positive development Tuesday morning as defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson returned to practice in Calgary ahead of the club’s evening matchup with the Flames. The 33-year-old exited Saturday’s 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers in the second period due to a lower-body injury and was absent from Monday’s practice as he was granted a “maintenance day.” Ekman-Larsson’s presence at morning skate is an encouraging sign, but head coach Craig Berube remains uncertain about his availability for the game, listing him as a “game-time decision.” “Probably a game-time decision, too,” said Berube of Ekman-Larsson after practice on Tuesday. The exact nature of the Swede’s injury remains unknown, as does the moment it occurred. Berube admitted postgame on Saturday that he didn’t witness the incident. “I didn't even see it happen,” Berube said. “He left the bench. So we were down to five (defensemen). And the trainer said he wasn't coming back.” Ekman-Larsson logged just 5:09 of ice time before his departure, forcing the Leafs to finish the game with five defensemen. As a result of the uncertainty, the Leafs recalled defenseman Dakota Mermis from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on Monday in the case that Ekman-Larsson would be unavailable going forward. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his availability, Ekman-Larsson’s participation in morning skate suggests he could suit up against the Flames. He also took reps on the second power-play unit, sharing duties with Jake McCabe and skating alongside Max Domi, Max Pacioretty, Bobby McMann, and Nick Robertson. In his first season with the Maple Leafs, Ekman-Larsson has been a steady presence in Toronto’s top four. In 51 games, the 15-year veteran has registered three goals and 18 assists for 21 points – ranking second among Leafs defensemen in scoring. Ekman-Larsson, who signed a four-year, $14 million contract with Toronto in the summer, has been durable throughout the season, missing only one game due to illness. Whether he extends that streak and takes the ice against the Flames will have to be decided closer to puck drop. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNjM5NDEwNTc4NDM0MDI0/googlenews.svg] Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
