Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe will return to the lineup on Friday against the Calgary Flames, coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters.
Keefe said defenceman John Klingberg, who has struggled, is out with an undisclosed injury. Klingberg missed some action in the pre-season with an upper-body injury. Through 13 games with the Leafs, Klingberg has five assists and is minus-6 while averaging 20:40 per game.
The 31-year-old from Gothenburg, Sweden, joined the Maple Leafs through free agency after signing a one-year, $4.15-million contract on July 1.
McCabe has missed the past six games with a groin injury suffered Oct. 26 vs. the Dallas Stars. McCabe took just one shift before heading to the team’s locker room early in the first period.
The 30-year-old defenceman has no points while averaging 16:47 over seven games for the Maple Leafs this season. He was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks last season.