Leafs' Rielly will play vs. Lightning after 23-game absence

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly will return to the lineup Tuesday versus the Tampa Bay Lightning after missing 23 games due to a broken foot, he confirmed to reporters, via Kristen Shilton of TSN.

Rielly was injured while blocking a shot on Jan. 12 against the Florida Panthers. The Leafs went 11-9-3 in his absence.

Toronto's defense corps is now getting closer to full health with the return of Rielly and Cody Ceci - who made his comeback Friday - but Jake Muzzin is still out with a broken hand suffered two weeks ago.

Tuesday's clash versus the Lightning will be massive in the Leafs' pursuit of a playoff spot. Following the Florida Panthers' win on Monday, Toronto holds a narrow one-point advantage for third place in the Atlantic Division with 13 games to go.

Rielly, 26, has appeared in 46 games this season, posting three goals and 24 assists while averaging over 24 minutes per contest.