Toronto Maple Leafs Jake Gardiner (L) and San Jose Sharks Torrey Mitchell race for the puck into the end boards during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Toronto February 23, 2012.FRED THORNHILL/Reuters
For the second time in five days, the Toronto Maple Leafs have assigned defenceman Jake Gardner to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.
After appearing in two games with the Maple Leafs this season, Gardiner was sent down to the Marlies last Friday. He was recalled Monday while the AHL was on its all-star break, but didn't appear in any more games with the parent club before being sent down once again.
The 22-year-old blueliner missed the first two games of the season due to a concussion he suffered while playing for the Marlies during the NHL lockout.
Gardiner has 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) and six penalty minutes in 22 games for the Marlies this season.