Toronto Maple Leafs Get Key Player Back Into Their Lineup vs. the Anaheim Ducks

Toronto has done well to avoid the injury bug, at least to their defense and it's been a blessing as the team has been able to shut down the opposition and have a complete turnaround from last season.

However, they did lose Jake McCabe for a few games this year after taking a puck to the head and Toronto's defense hasn't fared as well without him in the lineup.

But it looks like they'll be getting him back on Thursday night, as according to David Alter of The Hockey News he was seen skating and taking part in drills alongside Chris Tanev and is presumed to be right back in the action when the puck drops.

He later confirmed this with the lines in practice, however as is Berube's prerogative; the lineup is always subject to change.

The Maple Leafs haven't had the best run without McCabe and his presence was sorely missed especially against New Jersey. Though the team won, they were outshot 39-16 and were dominated from start to finish.

McCabe and Tanev have been lights out this season, and they are the main reason that the Leafs defense has been so stout recently. It's a huge shift from last season, and it will be a great help for Toronto to get their shutdown defender back.

It will be a hard task for Anaheim if McCabe gets back into form, and the fact Toronto is so high on the defenseman and have him around for the long-term means only good things for Toronto going forward; especially if he keeps growing and getting even better.

Toronto also sees the return of Nikita Grebenkin as he was recalled in replacement of Marshall Rifai, as the defenseman's demotion was another sign that McCabe's return is inevitable.

The Maple Leafs take on the Anaheim Ducks at home at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7pm ET.