Gardiner (leg spasms) will participate in Saturday's matchup against the Penguins, Paul Hendrick of the Maple Leafs' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner departed Wednesday's game against the Blue Jackets prematurely due to the leg spasms, but he won't miss any additional action because of the issue. The blueliner continues to serve as a major distributor for the Maple Leafs this season, racking up 31 assists to go along with his four goals through 59 games this season. His availability likely boots Connor Carrick from the lineup once again.

Gardiner (spasms) didn't practice Friday and his status for Saturday's game against the Penguins is unclear, Mark Masters of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old blueliner has compiled four goals, 35 points and 77 blocked shots while averaging 22:35 through 59 games. Gardiner is in danger of missing his first game since the 2015-16 season, and if he does, expect Connor Carrick to slot in his place. Expect an update after Saturday's morning skate.

Coach Mike Babcock relayed after Wednesday's game that Gardiner was suffering from muscle spasms in his leg and the training staff wouldn't allow him to return, Chris Johnston of Hockey Night in Canada reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner's reportedly was dealing with the issues prior to the contest but thought he could tough it out. That was not the case and could leave his status for Saturday's matchup in question if they don't subside over the next couple of days. Look for further updates regarding his status prior to the team embarking on a two-game weekend road trip.

Gardiner will not rejoin the action Wednesday against the Blue Jackets due to a lower-body injury.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner's absence could be a major concern for the Maple Leafs if it extends beyond Wednesday's matchup. More information on his injury and status moving forward should surface in the coming days, but Toronto will be forced to roll with just five blueliners for the remainder of the game.

Gardiner scored a goal and added an assist during Monday's 4-3 win over Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

The two-point showing improves Gardiner to 15 points through his past 12 games, and he's also posted a plus-9 rating during that stretch. The Maple Leafs have now won eight of their past nine games, so with the entire team trending in the right direction, there's potential for the American defenseman to continue posting high-end offensive numbers moving forward. There aren't many settings where Gardiner isn't a solid asset.

Gardiner recorded three assists during Monday's 7-4 win over Anaheim.

EDGE Analysis

After missing the scoresheet in consecutive games, this was a strong rebound showing from Gardiner. The American defenseman has also now recorded 13 helpers through his past nine games and is up to 33 points -- three goals -- through 55 contests for the campaign. The 27-year-old blueliner is currently on pace for his second consecutive 40-point season and a career-best offensive showing.

Gardiner extended his point streak to five games Thursday, dishing out three helpers in a win over Dallas.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner is heating up on the Toronto blueline just as the NHL heads into the All-Star break. This was his second three-assist performance of the week, as the 27-year-old suddenly has an impressive 29 points through 51 games. His heavy minutes and role on the power play make him a valuable fantasy blueliner in many formats.

Gardiner picked up three assists while adding five blocked shots and two shots on goal in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Senators.

EDGE Analysis

With Morgan Rielly (upper body) in the press box, Gardiner stepped up to fill the offensive void on the blue line for the Leafs, giving him 24 points (three goals, 21 assists) in 48 games on the season. It's his first multi-point performance since Dec. 20, though, and with Rielly likely not out of action for long, Gardiner should return to a supporting role very soon.

Gardiner had a goal and an assist in a 4-2 loss to Columbus on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Goals have never been a big part of Gardiner's game, but assists should be coming more consistently given Toronto's high-powered attack. But he has just three assists in December, and that needs to change quickly.

Gardiner dished out two power-play helpers in Thursday's 6-4 win over Edmonton.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner took advantage of a weak Edmonton penalty kill that came in at a league-worst 73.2 percent. The offensively-gifted blueliner has 13 points in 27 games, with six of those coming on the power play.