Maple Leafs’ Lyubushkin, Jarnkrok to play vs. Rangers, Liljegren game-time decision

Maple Leafs defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin speaks about being traded back to Toronto, and how it was easy for him to join the team.

Ilya Lyubushkin will begin his second stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs against the New York Rangers on Saturday night.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that Lyubushkin will play alongside Morgan Rielly in the lineup. The Leafs acquired the 29-year-old from the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.

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Calle Jarnkrok will also be in the lineup playing on a line with John Tavares and Bobby McMann after missing the last 13 games after suffering a broken knuckle on his hand. The 32-year-old was forced to leave practice after blocking a shot off his hand.

Defenceman Timothy Liljegren will also return to the lineup after missing the last two games with an undisclosed injury. His return means Toronto will have two right-shot defencemen on the blueline after having none available the last two games.

Meanwhile, the Leafs announced forward Nick Robertson has been assigned to the AHL Marlies. William Lagesson is expected to be scratched from the lineup.

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