



The tweet from the Maple Leafs PR staff went out Friday morning, 90 minutes before practice, and confused the fan base (and media).



Why were they recalling Kevin Gravel, a veteran depth defenceman who played three games for the Leafs early this season?



Is someone hurt? Was there a trade?



Fair questions, given the Leafs injury brigade has been large this season and the trade deadline is only three weeks away.



Then, four hours later, Gravel was gone.



It was a blip on the hockey world’s radar, with fans speculating on social media what was going on. But that blip was an enormous day for Gravel, who up until recently had been struggling to function, never mind suit up for a spirited skate at the Leafs practice facility in Etobicoke.



For a brief moment, he was back in the NHL, after nearly losing his dream.



He had a big smile on his face as he walked into the dressing room and began chatting with teammate Justin...