Maple Leaf defenceman Mike Komisarek will miss at least three weeks with a torn quadriceps muscle, opening the door for rookie defenceman Carl Gunnarson.

"Komisarek has a small tear in his muscle in his quad, so he's probably going to miss three weeks," said Leaf coach Ron Wilson.

Komisarek has been put on injured reserve. The defenceman hurt himself Saturday in Toronto's 5-1 win, leaving the game early in the third period after colliding with Kris Draper.

Komisarek didn't practice Sunday or Monday, but returned against Minnesota on Tuesday night, playing less than three minutes before leaving the game.

Gunnarson took in Thursday's practice from the bench, dressed in his civilian clothes. He was unable to work out with the team for bookkeeping reasons.

"Carl's played really well," said Wilson. "He's had a great camp and he's played well for the Marlies."

Wilson said Gunnarson won't play Friday night in Chicago, but would likely get a chance to play while Komisarek is hurt.

The Leafs also sent lightly-used winger Jay Rosehill to the Toronto Marlies on a two-week conditioning assignment.

Rosehill, who has played only six games, cannot be permanently assigned to the Marlies without clearing waivers first.

Gunnarson has two assists and is a minus-2 in 12 games with the Marlies this season. He was the last defenceman cut from the Leafs in training camp.

He's the third Marlie to have been called up. Tyler Bozak played one game, Jiri Tlusty two.