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Healthy scratch no more: Liles returns to Leafs lineup

John-Michael Liles

He’s not Jake Gardiner, but if the slumping Maple Leafs could use a puck-moving defenseman -- and some think they really could -- John-Michael Liles qualifies.

Liles will be back in Toronto’s lineup for the first time since Feb. 16 tonight when the Leafs look to snap a three-game losing skid at home to streaking Pittsburgh. The 32-year-old will reportedly replace rookie Mike Kostka.

Despite the fact Liles is in the first year of a four-year, $15.5 million contract extension, he’s been a healthy scratch by head coach Randy Carlyle the past 12 games.

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