March 15, 2012; Tampa FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) skates during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs have sent defenseman Jake Gardiner down to the Toronto Marlies. Gardiner returned to action on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins after being out since December 8th with a concussion. He also played last night against the New York Islanders, but did not record a point in either game.

Gardiner got off to a strong start earlier this year while with the Marlies during the lockout, recording 17 points in just 22 games. He figured to be a fixture on the Maple Leafs blueline this season, but his concussion has thrown a wrench into those plans for the time being.

However, before Leaf fans hit the panic button, Gardiner’s demotion to the Marlies is probably more about conditioning than anything else. Missing well over a month certainly takes a toll on a player, and TSN’s Darren Dreger is reporting that the move is just so Gardiner can adjust to the speed of the game. It’s not that Gardiner played poorly upon his return, but he definitely didn’t look like his normal self. One would expect that in a couple of weeks he should be called back up to the big club. The Leafs have plenty of defensemen at their disposal right now, which should make the move a little easier.

Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manger Brian Burke has not fallen on hard times, he did take to the streets of Toronto Thursday night though to sleep outside and raise awareness for homeless youth. Burke was joined by 52 other individuals including police Chief Bill Blair and Arlene Dickinson from Dragon’s Den. Covenant House ran the event and those who participated slept outside in the parking lot of their youth shelter.

Burke spoke to the media Friday morning and indicated this was a cause he felt very passionate about. He was also sporting a sweet Movember stache that may have kept him a little warmer while he spent the night outside.

In other Leafs news, Toronto Marlies head coach Dallas Eakins spoke to the media as well Thursday on the status of 25-year-old winger Leo Komarov. After 11 games with the Marlies this season, Komarov wants to head back overseas and play in the KHL. A 2006 Leafs draft pick, Komarov’s goal was to head to North America this summer and pursue an NHL career after playing the last six seasons in Europe.

Due to the lockout, Komarov was relegated to playing for the Marlies. He sits tied in scoring with Jake Gardiner as both lead the team with five goals each. Komarov is looking at joining Dynamo Moscow where he won a KHL championship last season, but he wants to return when the lockout ends in hopes of playing in the NHL.