Maple Leafs’ Gardiner out with injury Wednesday vs. Oilers

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Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner. (Chris Young/CP)

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner won’t play Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers due to back spasms.

Back spasms sidelined Gardiner for two games in January and Leafs coach Mike Babcock said at Tuesday’s practice that the blue-liner was dealing with a “lingering” issue.

Gardiner has two goals and 27 assists in 60 games this season with a plus-17 rating. The 28-year-old is eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1.

Russian 26-year-old Igor Ozhiganov will replace Gardiner in the lineup. Ozhiganov has been a healthy scratch for the past 13 games.

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