Leafs' Martin returns to lineup after slew of healthy scratches

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matt Martin will return to the lineup Monday versus the Buffalo Sabres after sitting the previous 18 games as a healthy scratch.

Martin's last appearance came Jan. 22, when the Maple Leafs fell 4-2 to the Colorado Avalanche.

While he has stayed positive from the sidelines, he's happy to get another shot against the Sabres.

"When it first starts, you think it's just going to be a couple (games). I think we hit a month," Martin told TSN's Kristen Shilton. "It definitely dragged on for a while. Some days are harder than others."

In 47 games this season, the winger has picked up 11 points and 45 penalty minutes.

He's signed through the 2019-20 campaign at a $2.5-million cap hit.