Report: Leafs send Gardiner down to AHL team

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner has been assigned to the AHL Toronto Marlies, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

Gardiner suffered concussion-like symptoms while playing for the Marlies on Dec. 8. He was cleared to return prior to Toronto's 5-2 win over Pittsburgh on Wednesday, and he played 17:29 in that game.

Gardiner, 22, played more than 21 minutes in Thursday's game, but was on the ice for two of the Islanders' four third-period goals.

Gardiner did not get a point in either of the two games he played this season, but he had seven goals and 23 assists in 75 games for Toronto last season.