The Toronto Maple Leafs will get Timothy Liljegren back in the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters after practice.
Liljegren had been sidelined since Nov. 2 with a high ankle sprain on his left leg. The team needed to see Liljegren participate in a full practice before they could clear him to return.
His return comes at a good time for a Leafs blue line that has been banged up and could be without a key component.
Keefe told reporters that T.J. Brodie is a game-time decision with an illness after he did not take part in the pre-game skate. The 33-year-old is averaging 22:15 of ice time this season, second among Leafs skaters. If Brodie can’t play, it’s likely Liljegren will take his place on the top pairing with Morgan Rielly.
Martin Jones will also get his second start of the season after Ilya Samsonov allowed six goals in Toronto’s overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jones allowed three goals on 31 shots against the New York Rangers.
Keefe also said that Ryan Reaves‘ injury is not as serious as it appeared and will likely be placed on injured reserve instead of LTIR. Reaves left Thursday’s game against Columbus with a lower-body injury after crashing into the boards.