Maple Leafs assign defenceman Jake Gardiner to Marlies

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs have assigned defenceman Jake Gardner to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.

Gardiner, 22, appeared in two games for the Maple Leafs this season, registering four shots on goal.

The six-foot-two, 184-pound defenceman missed the Leafs' first two games of the season while recovering from a concussion.

Gardiner has 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) and six penalty minutes in 22 games for the Marlies this season.