NHL Insider drops the latest update on Mitch Marner

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been without the services of forward Mitch Marner since their March 7 matchup against the Boston Bruins. He sustained a high ankle sprain during that game and has been sidelined ever since.

And given his continued absence from the lineup, fans are understandably starting to show concern about his long-term health and the prospects of a potential return before the playoffs begin next month. However, the latest bit of information paints a more positive picture. 

According to Darren Dreger, the Leafs are taking a cautious approach and if they were in the midst of a playoff series, Marner would be on the ice. 

"I'm getting somewhat conflicting information. But I do think that the Maple Leafs are wise in this approach," Dreger said. "I feel like if there were a playoff spot on the line, of course, he'd be playing Toronto Maple Leafs medical [staff] is running the show here, and Marner will be back when he's ready."

Marner is one of Toronto's leading scorers with 25 goals and 51 assists in the 62 games that he's been able to appear in this season. With the playoff chase still in full swing, the Leafs will want Marner back as soon as possible in order to maximize the best playoff position possible. The additional good news is that the Leafs have managed a respectable 4-2-1 record in Marner's absence.