Maple Leafs' Thornton ready to return after 10-game absence
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joe Thornton is ready to return to the lineup for Monday's game against the Ottawa Senators, he confirmed after Sunday's practice, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton.
"I feel really good. I can't wait to play tomorrow," Thornton said.
Thornton has missed Toronto's last 10 games after suffering a rib injury on Jan. 20 in a contest versus the Edmonton Oilers.
The 41-year-old was back in his spot on the Maple Leafs' top line alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner at practice. Here's how Toronto's forward group lined up:
#Leafs lines at practice:
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) February 14, 2021
Thornton-Matthews-Marner
Hyman-Tavares-Nylander
Mikheyev-Kerfoot-Engvall
Vesey-Spezza-Sabourin
Rielly-Brodie
Muzzin-Holl
Dermott-Bogosian
Marincin-Lehtonen
Andersen
Hutchinson
SRS: Petan, Boyd, Barabanov
The Maple Leafs went 8-1-1 with Thornton sidelined and sit atop the North Division with 23 points.
Thornton has notched one goal and one assist through five games this season.
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