March 16, 2013

Joffrey Lupul will play on a line with Nazem Kadri and Nikolai Kulemin to start Saturday's game against the Jets at the Air Canada Centre. (Stan Behal/QMI Agency)

TORONTO - The long-awaited return of Joffrey Lupul is finally over. And no pressure, Joffrey, but the Maple Leafs can sure use you to help them break out of their four-game slide.

The Leafs forward will be stepping back into the lineup on Saturday night against the surging Winnipeg Jets after having played in only three games this season.

Lupul, who likely will be skating alongside Nazem Kadri and Nikolai Kulemin to start the game, suffered a broken forearm after being hit by a Dion Phaneuf slap shot on Jan. 23 in Pittsburgh.

“I’ve worked hard throughout those seven, eight weeks I’ve been hurt, and I’m confident I can step right back in,” Lupul said after an optional morning skate on Saturday.