The Toronto Maple Leafs have assigned defenceman Jake Muzzin to the AHL's Toronto Marlies on a conditioning stint, the team announced Thursday morning.

Muzzin has not played since Dec. 27 after fracturing his foot blocking a shot in a game against the New Jersey Devils.

The Marlies play in Cleveland on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, while the big club returns from the break next Monday in a game against the Nashville Predators.

Toronto had hoped to get the 30-year-old blueliner back sometime soon after the All-Star Break. He was seen doing some light skating last week.

In 38 games so far this season, Muzzin has three goals and 10 assists in 21:21 of average ice time per game. He was acquired by the Leafs last winter in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings.