Tyler Bozak set to return Sunday against Carolina

Tyler Bozak has spent more time watching than playing lately.

Since signing a 5 year contract extension this off-season, the Toronto Maple Leafs centre has battled various ailments.

He hasn’t been alone as the Leafs have been bitten by the injury bug this season.  But Bozak is set to return back to the lineup, as the Leafs are getting healthier ahead of a busy January schedule.

“It sucks sitting out having to watch and not being able to play,” admitted Bozak following practise on Saturday.

It has been a frustrating 18 months for Bozak.  He missed the last 2 games of the playoff series with Boston because of a biceps injury.

Earlier this season he sat out 12 games with a pulled hamstring.  He’s returning Sunday against Carolina after missing 12 with an oblique injury.

“It’s new to me,” said the 27 year-old. “Other than a few injuries where I missed a few games in the past four years I haven’t had much. I worked hard while I was out and hopefully I can come back better.”

Bozak practised Saturday in his usual spot – on the top line with James Van Riemsdyk and Phil Kessel.

But Bozak and the head coach are trying their best to lower expectations.

“My experiences have taught me the longer a player is out the more valuable he seems to be,” said Coach Randy Carlyle. “When he comes back into the lineup you are expecting more and that’s really unrealistic.”

“You want to contribute as much as you can, but you can’t expect to go out there and take over the game,” admitted Bozak.  “It will take a few games to get back into the swing of things.”

Bozak’s return means Nazem Kadri will centre the 2^nd line with Joffrey Lupul and Mayson Raymond. While Peter Holland was sporting the green jersey usually reserved for the 4^th line, although his role could change.

“We have talked about it and Peter Holland is an option to move up and down our lineup,” said Carlyle. “And we won't be afraid to do that if we aren't getting the performances we need from other people."

David Bolland is the only regular Leafs player from opening night out with an injury.

That’s encouraging news for a team that has been hard-hit by the injury bug and has just 1 win in regulation time over the last 18 games.