The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to get back a major reinforcement.
Brandon Carlo will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Florida Panthers, head coach Craig Berube said before the game.
Carlo has been out since Nov. 13 after blocking a shot with his foot against the Los Angeles Kings.
His recovery took longer than initially expected after an infection developed in his ankle, where he has had a plate for eight years from a previous injury that had required surgery.
The 29-year-old defenceman has played in just 18 of Toronto's 41 games this season. He has recorded two assists and is a plus-two.
Carlo is expected to be paired alongside Morgan Rielly on Tuesday, as the team enters the game riding a season best six-game point streak.
