Babcock makes ominous statement on the future of Jake Gardiner

In case you missed it, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock announced earlier today that defenseman Jake Gardiner will not play tonight’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. Gardiner has been battling back spasms for awhile now, but the Leafs have yet to make a formal announcement concerning his injury status and his playing future.

Instead… Babcock had this to say:

"Not playing today. I'll let someone else make the announcement." – #Leafs' Mike Babcock on Jake Gardiner ? pic.twitter.com/yXUyYLSl62
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 27, 2019

Just as ominous were the words of teammate Morgan Rielly:

Sounds like there is announcement forthcoming on Jake Gardiner, who's been dealing w/ back spasms.

I also asked Morgan Rielly earlier about going w/o Gardiner tonight: "Down the stretch, good teams need [depth]. We’ll have to see what happens, but that might be tested"
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) February 27, 2019

Certainly sounds like something is up and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Leafs announce that Gardiner is out long-term with a back injury.

Stay tuned, Leafs fans.

The 28 year old Gardiner is in the final year of a five year contract worth just north of $4 million per season. He has two goals and 29 points in 60 games with the Leafs this season.

UPDATE:

The Leafs have now confirmed that Gardiner will be out "week to week" with a back injury.