“I think anyone would say the more sunlight you get, the probably happier you are,” said Marner, glad to be back in Toronto. “I think

it’s pretty well known that the darkness sometimes causes depression … so it’s definitely nice to have sunlight — see it, be around it.”

Marner sought out goalie Joseph Woll — who, unlike Marner, has a college degree — for backup about the health benefits.

“You’re a college guy,” Marner said. “Is that true or not? I swear, if it’s like rainy and moody it’s more depressing for you.”

Replied Woll: “The sun is good for you.”

“Exactly, that’s what I’m saying,” said Marner. “I like the sun.”

Whether it’s the sunlight or the winning (four in a row heading into Friday afternoon’s road date with Connor Bedard and the Chicago

Blackhawks) the Leafs appear to be very happy right now despite a roster that’s been in flux because of injuries — including

defenceman John Klingberg, placed on long-term injured reserve Thursday.

The penalty kill hasn’t allowed a goal in two games, and the power play is producing.

“There’s been a lot of improvement over the last five or so games,” said Marner. “The last two games, we had really good stretches. But

I think we are still looking for that full 60 (minutes). We’ve gotten very close to it and we’ve just got to stay with it, trust our structure

and commit to it.”

Klingberg on LTIR

Before the Leafs chartered to Chicago, they put Klingberg on LTIR with what he described in Sweden as an old, nagging injury that’s

believed to be hip related. The 31-year-old blueliner had double hip surgery in 2014.

The move means Klingberg must miss at least 10 games and 24 days. The earliest he could return is Dec. 12 at the New York Rangers.

The Leafs get cap relief on his $4.15-million (U.S.) salary as a result, allowing them to carry a full 23-man roster for the first time this season.

Steeves called up

Red-hot forward Alex Steeves was recalled from the Marlies after piling up 16 points in his first 11 games of the season, the longest

active point streak in the AHL. His name has come up in trade speculation involving Calgary. The Flames will be looking for prospects

in return if they move defencemen Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov. The 23-year-old Steeves has six NHL games to his credit.

Järnkrok questionable

Steeves might be showcased with Calle Järnkrok’s status up in the air. The veteran forward missed Thursday’s practice after taking a

shot off the foot in Wednesday’s on-ice work and was sent for an MRI.

“The news has been positive so far,” said coach Sheldon Keefe.

Järnkrok will join the Leafs for their road back-to-back in Chicago and Pittsburgh, but Steeves or Ryan Reaves, a healthy scratch the

last three games, could see ice time.

“He’s an important part of our team,” Keefe said of Reaves. “He’s a presence around our room and he’s continued to keep a good

attitude, which we’ve loved. And he’s a professional all the way through.”

Room for Timmins

The Klingberg move also opens up cap room to reinstate defenceman Conor Timmins after his own stint on long-term injured reserve

with a lower-body injury. Like Klingberg, Timmins is a puck-moving defenceman and shoots right. He was hurt in training camp, but

has been trending toward returning for at least a week.

“Having more mobility and puck movement and some offensive contributions can help us, for sure,” Keefe said about Timmins’s

possible return. “It changes the look of it.

“(William) Lagesson and (Simon) Benoit have really good job for us in some defensive roles and giving us really good minutes, helping

our penalty kill. Timmins is a different look: a right shot, which is important in terms of moving the puck and being a little more fluid

offensively in all three zones.”

Timmins practised with Lagesson on Thursday, so Benoit is the probable scratch.