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Lyubushkin says he was in California for 30 hours before returning to Toronto for Saturday's Game 4 against Boston.
After Ilya Lyubushkin and his wife, Diana, welcomed their first daughter on Thursday, the defenseman is back and ready to play in Game 4 against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.
The 30-year-old shared a photo holding his newborn daughter via Instagram on Thursday with the caption: "Daddy's daughter ❤️ thank you my beloved Diana you are the best "
Lyubushkin took to the ice on Saturday morning ahead of Game 4 against the Bruins later that night. The defenseman said he left for Anaheim on Thursday morning and was there in time to welcome their daughter, Stephania.
"[It's been] pretty busy," Lyubushkin said on Saturday morning with a big smile. "It's a good part of my life, you know?"
He also admitted that he was only in California for 30 hours before arriving back in Toronto at around 5 p.m. on Friday. Lyubushkin hinted that he might've had a special plane back to the city.
"Tough to say," he added with a smile.
"We have the best organization. They take care of me."
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Lyubushkin also said his two sons, Matthew and Miroslav, were happy to see him. He's been away from his family since being acquired by Toronto in late February.
"So happy. Actually, my two boys was crazy. They super excited."
He added that they've watched him throughout the first three games against the Bruins.
"Every game, they watch me, [and say], 'Daddy, let's go! Let's go daddy!'"
When players and their families welcome a child to the family, everyone likes to say the player will have "Dad Strength" when they return to the lineup. For Lyubushkin, does he believe that's a real thing?
"Of course. When it happens, you feel a different energy. It's good emotion."
Maple Leafs defenseman Joel Edmundson would agree.
"Absolutely. It's one of the best things in life, right? He's obviously thrilled," said the 30-year-old. "He's probably a little bit tired from the travel days, but coming in this morning, it doesn't seem like he travelled at all."
Lyubushkin is projected to return to his usual spot on Toronto's top pairing alongside Morgan Rielly on Saturday night. The pair, in 30:14 of ice time together, has a 65.48 xGF% at five-on-five, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.
Puck drop for Game 4 against the Bruins is scheduled for shortly after 8 p.m. ET.
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