It’s all but a certainty that Maple Leafs defenceman Nikita Zaitsev will return to the lineup Wednesday when the Leafs host John Tavares and the New York Islanders at the Air Canada Centre. Zaitsev, who has missed the last 17 games after suffering a broken foot Dec. 15, said he’s “ready to go.”Leafs coach Mike Babcock sounded almost as optimistic as his defenceman, but said a final decision won’t be made until following the morning skate Wednesday. In practice Tuesday, Babcock had Zaitsev paired with rookie Matt Dermott. Zaitsev, prior to his injury, was paired with Jake Gardiner, but Gardiner was alongside Ron Hainsey in practice Tuesday. Those pairings — which are the top two on the team — will likely be reshuffled once Morgan Rielly returns from his injury (believed to be upper body-arm).

Source: thestar January 30, 2018 18:11 UTC