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Thornton, Robertson practice, not close to returning

February 1, 2021, 4:08 PM ET [321 Comments]
Mike Augello
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The Toronto Maple Leafs had what you would consider a successful road swing through Alberta, earning seven of eight points against the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. The 4-3 overtime loss on Connor McDavid’s goal Saturday ended the Leafs four game winning streak, but the club leads the North Division with a 7-2-1 record and 15 points.

Toronto after playing 10 games in 17 days gets a well-deserved four-day respite and practice time before hosting the Vancouver Canucks for a three-game series starting Thursday at Scotiabank Arena.

The club held an optional practice at the Ford Performance Centre in Etobicoke, ON on Monday and both injured forwards Joe Thornton and Nick Robertson took to the ice.

Thornton was injured on January 20 in a collision with Oilers forward Josh Archibald and was diagnosed with a fractured rib, which was expected to keep the 41-year-old a minimum of four weeks. Robertson injured his knee in Ottawa on January 16 and the time of recovery was also expected to be a minimum of a month.



"They are making progress. Thornton and Robertson both skated today, that's a good sign, but they are still on the same timeline, so nothing's changed there." Keefe said. "It's very positive to see them on the ice and moving."

Based on the four-week timetable, both players are expected to return in mid-February. Thornton is likely to return to his spot on the left side with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, but Robertson could be headed to the AHL if the Toronto Marlies season is underway.



The uncertain status of the Ontario Hockey League may allow the 19-year-old winger to play in the AHL this season, which would be more advantageous to Robertson’s development than being on the taxi squad, while still allowing the Leafs to call him up if needed.

2018 top pick Rasmus Sandin has been practicing and skating with the club since the start of the season and also might benefit from regular play with the Marlies.

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