TORONTO, Ontario - While most of his teammates embarked on vacations to sunny southern destinations over the Olympic break, David Bolland - out of the lineup since suffering a severed tendon in his left ankle on November 2 in Vancouver - headed to London, Ontario instead to continue his rehab with his old junior team, the London Knights. Although head coach Randy Carlyle jokingly wondered how much actual training Bolland got done while in London. "I dont know how much training goes on when you go back to the junior team that you played for so I wouldnt read too much into that," laughed Carlyle after the Maple Leafs were put through an up-tempo practice that concluded with a 10-minute bag skate on Thursday. "I was in London once at a bar called "Joe Cools" and they have numerous stools there that have players names on them that Ive coached, and hes one of them." In all seriousness though, that Bolland has put himself in a position to even discuss a potential return just 110 days since suffering a laceration that he said went right through the muscle and tendon in his ankle, nearly down to the bone, is a remarkable feat of determination that has not been lost on his coach. "The level of professionalism that he displays day in, day out right from when we first saw him in training camp, that has continued here," said Carlyle. "Hes pushing himself and with the help of our training staff and our strength and conditioning (coaches), hes done a heck of a job to get himself back where he is now." So where exactly is he? Neither Carlyle nor Bolland would pin down a specific return date but Bolland did sound more encouraged with his progress than he did when he offered his last update on February 5 in Tampa Bay. "Im close, its getting there," he said on Thursday. "Im on my way upwards." Carlyle suggested yesterday that a decision would be made next Wednesday as to whether Bolland will dress when the Leafs resume their schedule against the New York Islanders on February 27. "Ah, well see," Bolland added when asked if he expects to play against the Islanders. His impending return was welcomed news to Dion Phaneuf. "Thats a very big boost," said the Leafs captain. "Bollands an experienced guy whos played a lot of hockey in the league. Hes a big part of our team. Hes big in the room; hes big on the ice. Hes a leader in our dressing room and he plays hard night in and night out so were excited to get him back." But despite just 22 regular season games remaining for the Leafs, Bolland will not be re-inserted until he declares himself ready. "When he says hes ready to go, thats one of the things were adamant about here is that the player is not going to come back and say hes 85 per cent and were going to put him in the lineup," Carlyle said. "Hes got to tell us hes 100/110 per cent and then were ready to go. That makes it a lot easier for everybody involved." When Bolland was injured, he was playing on a line with Mason Raymond and David Clarkson. Since then, Clarkson has been moved to a line with Joffrey Lupul and Nazem Kadri which Carlyle indicated he has been pleased with. At this point, consider it audition time for the right wing spot with leading candidates likely being Nik Kulemin and Troy Bodie. "We think that Bolland and Mason Raymond and whoever we decide to put there could give us a 2A and 2B type of offensive numbers," said Carlyle. But dont expect too much too soon when Bolland does return, Carlyle cautioned, suggesting he will keep an eye on his minutes and potentially avoid penalty killing duties early on. "I dont think Ill be stepping into the same role as I was at the start of the season," Bolland said. "I missed two and a half, three months of hockey and just coming back and throwing yourself in the mix is never fun. Its tough coming back from injuries and coming back will be something where Ill be eased in and not just thrown to the wolves. My expectations will be a little bit lower but gradually (after) the first two or three games, Ill be back in the mix." The chance to get Bolland back for the stretch drive, whether its in the first game back against the Islanders or a few games later, is an addition that Carlyle feels will have a significant impact on the team, almost akin to a trade deadline acquisition without giving anything up. "Anytime you can add a player of that caliber, it does change the makeup of your lineup," said Carlyle. "We lost two centres (Bozak and Bolland) early in November and weve been taxing people and putting younger players in situations that have somewhat overwhelmed them at times. We feel its a huge compliment to the depth of our organization that our young players have come in and filled that gap. Theres no ifs, ands or buts adding a David Bolland, we feel it has an impact into our line up." China Shoes Wholesale .A. remained bitter for Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers on the long flight back home to New York. China Shoes Free Shipping .C. -- After turning Tobacco Road into "Raleigh Top," Tennessee is headed to the round of 16. https://www.chinashoesshop.com/. Even that couldnt slow them down against the New Orleans Hornets. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook scored 31 points apiece and the Thunder overcame injuries to two key backups to beat New Orleans 101-93 Monday night for their 10th straight home win. Fake China Shoes . Yahoo! Sports columnist Marc Spears says that the Boogie Smooth album may have been an elaborate April Fools prank. China Shoes Jordans . Louis Cardinals, the team will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the opening of the SkyDome. Jays legends Jimmy Key and Ernie Whitt, members of playoff and World Series-winning teams of the past, will be on hand for the festivities to look back at what was the beginning of the Jays halcyon years.FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Quarterback Matt Ryan is hoping to spend another few years with Mike Smith as coach of the Atlanta Falcons.As Ryan sees it, why not?With a victory Sunday over Carolina (6-8-1), Smith will have led Atlanta (6-9) to three NFC South titles and five playoff appearances since Ryan was drafted third overall in 2008.Smittys been awesome, Ryan told The Associated Press on Wednesday. I think hes done a great job here. Hes, day in and day out, consistent with the guys. You know where you stand with him, which is a great quality as a coach. In this locker room, guys have a ton of respect for him.Ryan doesnt deny the disappointment of the past two years. Since falling 10 yards shy of the Super Bowl two seasons ago, the Falcons are 10-21, but Ryan refuses to apologize that theyre in position to win the division and host a playoff game next week.Owner Arthur Blank hasnt said if he wants Smith to return next season. A victory, though, wouldnt hurt the coachs chances.While Ryan putting responsibility on himself and his teammates to keep Smith with the Falcons, Smith has always said he has to coach better to put players in position to succeed.Its the embodiment of mutual respect, but theres a personal side to the relationship, too.Smith told The AP that hes grown very close to Ryan through the years and wants to continue that relationship in Atlanta.Matt Ryan has been the face of our franchise since the first game he played, Smith said. He means the world to me, not only as a football player but also as someone that can mentor the other players on the team. His play on the field speaks for itself. His ability to overcome adversity, his mental toughness, his physical toughness is as good as Ive ever seen.The future of their relationship is unceertain until Sunday.dddddddddddd If the Falcons lose, based on Blanks past firings of Dan Reeves and Jim Mora, Smith could be out by Monday.If Atlanta wins, the question will linger as the team plans to host a wild-card playoff game next weekend.The Falcons put playoff tickets on sale not long after winning last Sunday at New Orleans and eliminating the Saints division hopes.This is what you work so hard for in the off-season and during training camp, to have opportunities like this late in the year where everything is on the line, Ryan said. Thats fun. I think guys are going to enjoy the moment.Blank also hasnt said publicly if general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who was hired in January 2008 before Smith was brought on board, will return.Regardless of the status of his GM and coach, Ryan is in the first season of a six-year, $100 million contract and knows he likely will be in Atlanta for quite some time.So its no surprise that Ryan wants to end this season on a successful note. He knows that some fans will consider this game as the defining moment, particularly if the Falcons lose.Thats kind of the nature of this game, where were at, where (the Panthers are) at, whats on the line, Ryan said. Im sure thats people will remember. Theyll remember what happens late in the year. Hopefully its other games after this, though, for us that are the ones that are memorable.Notes: Pro Bowl WR Julio Jones (hip/oblique) did not participate in practice. Also held out were WR Roddy White (ankle), RB Steven Jackson (quadriceps) and reserve CB Josh Wilson (hamstring). ... WR Harry Douglas (foot) and RG Jon Asamoah (back) were limited.___AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL___Follow George Henry at www.twitter.com/georgehenryAP ' ' '