Liljegren returns vs. Penguins after missing 17 games

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren returned for the team's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

A high ankle sprain kept Liljegren out of action since Nov. 2, when he collided with Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand in the first period of the outing. He was later placed on long-term injured reserve and missed 17 games.

Liljegren registered one assist and six shots on goal in 10 games this season before his injury.

The Leafs also called up forward Pontus Holmberg from the Toronto Marlies ahead of their tilt against the Penguins. Auston Matthews and T.J. Brodie were unavailable to play due to illness.

Saturday's encounter also marked executive Kyle Dubas' return to Toronto for the first time since he was fired as general manager of the Leafs in May. The 38-year-old was named Pittsburgh's president of hockey operations in June and, in August, elected not to hire a new Penguins GM, opting to hold both roles simultaneously.