The Maple Leafs suddenly have enough right-handed defensemen in their lineup.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were already expecting a boost in the lineup after acquiring Ilya Lyubushkin from the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. But Timothy Liljegren's expected return will give the Maple Leafs a pair of right-handed defensemen when the club hosts the New York Rangers on Saturday.

"I feel good," Liljegren explained. "We'll see what happens tonight, but I felt good out there this morning."

Liljegren is a game-time decision but the club is preparing as though he'll return after missing the last two games with an undisclosed injury in the club's 4-3 win against the Colorado Avalanche last week.

"I just got jammed up, nothing too serious," Liljegren said. "But obviously it was bad enough for me not to play. But it feels better."

Keefe called Liljegren's ability to take the ice for the optional skate "encouraging".

The Maple Leafs were forced to dress six left-handed shots in the two games with Liljegren. When Mark Giordano was injured in the team's last game, Keefe used forward Mitch Marner on the back end for much of the contest.

The 24-year-old Liljegren has two goals and 14 assists in 40 games this season. He missed 17 games this season after sustaining a high ankle sprain when he was tripped by Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand on Nov. 2.

Liljegren is expected to skate with TJ Brodie. The pair had solid chemistry together when Morgan Rielly was forced to sit out for five games due to suspension. The Swede is a restricted free agent at the end of the season and is averaging 19:27 of ice time this season. 

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