Maple Leafs' Murray to start vs. Canucks after missing 17 games

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said goaltender Matt Murray will start Saturday's contest versus the Vancouver Canucks after missing 17 games with an ankle injury, according to TSN's Mark Masters.

Murray hasn't played since Jan. 17 against the Florida Panthers. He will need to be activated off long-term injured reserve before returning to the crease.

The 28-year-old was initially ruled out for two games. Murray also missed significant time earlier this season with an adductor injury.

Toronto managed an 11-5-1 record during Murray's latest absence, relying on Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll between the pipes.

Murray has been reliable when healthy during his first season with the Leafs, posting 11 wins in 19 appearances with a .911 save percentage and 2.73 goals against average.