from Michael Grange of Sportsnet,

Paul Ranger’s last day at work as an NHL defenceman was on Oct. 22nd 2009 when he was employed by the Tampa Bay Lighting. Two days later he left the office, citing personal reasons.

He never returned and remained out of hockey for three years.

Wednesday was his first day back at his old job in the NHL — this after a successful return to hockey with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL last year.

He was so happy to be back at work that he cried, which is just one reason he’s the most intriguing, even mysterious figure on the Toronto Maple Leafs deep roster of potential NHL defenders.

Leafs general manager Dave Nonis was touting him as a potential fixture among his club’s top four defencemen. It may have been a tribute to the 28-year-old’s skills (he turns 29 Thursday) while also serving as a reminder to Cody Franson — absent from camp in a contract dispute — that the club has options.

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