Since his arrival in Toronto, Phil Kessel's workload has been relegated mostly to the treadmill and post-practice solo skates as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
But the former Boston Bruins sniper joined his teammates for yesterday's practice as he moves closer to an expected November debut as a Leaf.
"He has been doing a lot of skating," Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson said. "He's getting closer to where he can be involved in regular practices."
Another player getting closer to a return is goaltender Jonas Gustavsson (groin.) Wilson said The Monster is likely to resume skating today with a potential return to the lineup a week from Saturday in Vancouver.
"It's a day-to-day thing," Wilson said. "As desperate as we are for some great goaltending, we can't rush him back for one game and have him suffer any kind of setback."
ROB.LONGLEY@SUNMEDIA.CA
