Report: Gardiner says he’s back, Babcock not so sure

Despite your preconceived notions about Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner, there’s no denying the fact that the team has felt his absence the past 18 games. The Leafs have struggled while Gardiner has been out of the lineup with a back injury, but the free-wheeling offensive defenseman has declared himself fully healthy and ready to return for tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Oddly though, there’s no guarantee that he’ll play tonight, at least according to head coach Mike Babcock. When asked about Gardiner’s availability for tonight’s game, Babcock was noncommittal calling him only a “game-time decision.”

Check it out:

Probably safe to say that Gardiner will play, but that Babcock is just being cautious.

The second part of that statement though is ominous… 

Muzzin and Kadri are unavailable for the game, said one is ill and one isn’t. Mentioned a release.

What’s this meant to mean? Stay tuned.