Gardiner (back) skated in a non-contact jersey at Monday's game-day skate, Jonas Siegel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Considering Gardiner hasn't been cleared for contact, he won't be suiting up versus the Panthers on Monday. It will be the 14th game on the shelf for the defenseman due to his back issue. The Minnesota native remains without a specific timeline for his return, but will no doubt be hoping to be ready for the playoffs. Justin Holl figures to continue filling out the blue line in Gardiner's absence.

Gardiner (back) took the ice ahead of Friday's practice session, Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Gardiner wasn't able to take part in practice, the fact that he is at least back on the ice is a step in the right direction. The blueliner should probably still be considered week-to-week at this point and the team hasn't provided any additional details on when he might be ready to return. In the meantime, Igor Ozhiganov and Justin Holl figure to slot in as the third pairing.

Gardiner (back) is not progressing as quickly as hoped, reports Sportsnet.ca.

EDGE Analysis

Bad news for the Leafs and fantasy owners. Gardiner, who has been out since Feb. 25, has not resumed skating. With three weeks left, he's not likely to contribute to your fantasy season.

Gardiner (back) remains week-to-week, Michael Traikos of Postmedia reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner reportedly is dealing with two separate injuries, but the only that's been specified is a back issue that surfaced in late January. Despite the defenseman having missed the past four games, Gardiner is not on injured reserve, as more roster flexibility was afforded to teams following the trade deadline.

Gardiner (back) is considered week-to-week.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner has been dealing with back spasms for much of the 2018-19 campaign, so it appears as though the Maple Leafs have decided to shut him down for awhile in order to ensure he'll be as close to 100 percent as possible once the playoffs get underway. Igor Ozhiganov will likely have a permanent spot in Toronto's lineup until Gardiner is cleared to return.

Gardiner (back) will not suit up against the Oilers on Wednesday, Terry Koshan of The Toronto Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fact that coach Mike Babcock is expecting the team to make some sort of announcement regarding Gardiner's status doesn't bode well for his injury being a short-term issue. While we await additional news regarding the Minnesota native's healthy, the club will slot Igor Ozhiganov into the third pairing, though Justin Holl could also get a look down the stretch.

Gardiner (back) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Oilers, Mark Masters of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner is once again dealing with the back spasms that were bothering him prior to the All-Star break. Back issues are notoriously tricky and easy to aggravate, so Toronto will undoubtedly proceed with extreme caution to ensure Gardiner is as close to 100 percent as possible once postseason play gets underway. Another update on the 28-year-old blueliner's status should surface prior to puck drop Wednesday evening.

Gardiner (undisclosed) will be in action versus the Canadiens on Saturday, Paul Hendrick of the Maple Leafs' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner was able to practice Wednesday, but his status was muddied further when he didn't show up for Friday's morning skate as a result of the mystery issue. At any rate, he appears to be fine, so expect the eighth-year defenseman to reprise his role on the second pair and No. 2 power-play unit against the Habs. Gardiner has two goals and 26 assists to complement a plus-17 rating over 58 games this season.

Gardiner (undisclosed) is considered questionable for Saturday's matchup with Montreal, Jonas Siegel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner missed Friday's morning skate due to an undisclosed issue, leaving his status for Saturday's contest up in the air. If Gardiner's unable to go, Igor Ozhiganov or Justin Holl will draw into the lineup against the Canadiens.

Gardiner skated with Travis Dermott, not Nikita Zaitsev, at practice on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner has alternated good and bad play, so putting him down on the third pairing could be a way to diminish the team's exposure when he does something bad. Or it could just be an experiment that doesn't last beyond Wednesday. Gardiner is struggling through a period of depressed output -- he has just six assists in his last 20 games. And he hasn't scored a goal since Dec. 4. Maybe this jolts his game back to life.