Maple Leafs center Bolland returns to lineup

TORONTO -- Toronto Maple Leafs center Dave Bolland returned to the lineup Saturday after missing 56 games with a severed tendon in the back of his left ankle. He suffered the injury Nov. 2 against the Vancouver Canucks.

Bolland was cleared for game action after a final assessment on his ankle Saturday.

The 27-year-old began Saturday's game against the Montreal Canadiens centering forwards Mason Raymond and David Clarkson.

The native of Mimico, Ontario, is in his first season with the Maple Leafs after six seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. He had six goals and four assists in 15 games before the injury.

To make room for Bolland, the Leafs assigned center Peter Holland to their American Hockey League affiliate.