Sports

He only played 27 games for the Leafs but always had an impact on the blueline when he did suit up.

But defenceman Mike Van Ryn has been forced to shut it down for the season as he'll have to undergo major surgery to re-align his left knee.

Van Ryn tells AM640's Leafs Lunch it was a tough decision to come to having not played a single game for the Leafs this season.

"Especially with the slump that we're in right now, I'd love to get out there and try to contribute and try to help us win games.  It's hard and being in the last year of my deal doesn't make it any easier."

Van Ryn says he's confident he'll play in the NHL again, whether its toronto or some other team.

Director of Sports Health at the Cleveland Clinic in Toronto, Dr. Tim Rindlischbacher says there's a good chance Van Ryn will return.

"Mike's done his homework and it sounds like a good option for him.  He will have a better quality of life if his NHL career doesn't pan out, but he's got every chance to make it back."

Steve Yzerman also had an and returned to the NHL after more than 6-months of rehab.