Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares will return to the lineup Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Jim Hiller confirmed, according to TSN's Mark Masters.
Tavares missed nine games with a lower-body injury sustained Oct. 15 against the Buffalo Sabres.
The 36-year-old has two goals and seven points in seven games. Tavares practiced as a left winger with Nick Paul and William Nylander on Friday, according to Masters.
Tavares is also set to reclaim his spot on Toronto's top power-play unit from rookie Gavin McKenna, which the 2026 first overall has no issue with.
Captain Auston Matthews said Tavares has probably been the Leafs' best player at their last two practices, according to Masters.
Toronto is 8-7-2 and is seventh in the Atlantic Division with 18 points.
