Report: Leafs hopeful Muzzin can return before playoffs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are encouraged by Jake Muzzin's recovery from a concussion and hope the defenseman can return to the lineup within the next month, according to TSN's Chris Johnston.

Muzzin was placed on long-term injured reserve Feb. 23 after sustaining his second head injury this season. He recently returned to skating but hasn't joined the Leafs for any practices.

All LTIR designations mean a player must miss at least 10 games and 24 days. The earliest Muzzin could return is March 19 against the Nashville Predators.

The Leafs can acquire players up to a maximum of Muzzin's $5.625-million cap hit while he's on LTIR, so the 33-year-old's health could have a significant impact on Toronto's trade deadline plans.

Muzzin is in his third full season with Toronto and has been a mainstay on its shutdown pairing since he joined. He has 12 points in 41 games this season while averaging 21 minutes per night.