Leafs' Ceci out 'a while' with ankle injury

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Ceci will be out "a while" with an ankle injury, general manager Kyle Dubas announced Thursday, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Ceci may have suffered a high ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in a month, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

The 26-year-old exited Wednesday's contest versus the New York Rangers in the third period and didn't return.

Toronto is also without top defenseman Morgan Rielly, who was ruled out for eight weeks on Jan. 13 due to a broken foot.

Ceci has suited up in all 54 games for the Maple Leafs this season, posting one goal and seven assists while averaging more than 20 minutes of ice time per night. Toronto acquired him in the offseason from the Ottawa Senators.