Max Pacioretty is back.

After a year of bad injury luck across the Toronto Maple Leafs roster, things have been turning around nicely headed into the playoffs, with the injured reserve shrinking more and more. Now, with Pacioretty set to make his return for Game 3 of the Battle of Ontario, a key piece of Toronto’s depth is back and ready to make his mark.

While it’s not the easiest to jump back onto a roster midway through a series, captain Auston Matthews touted Pacioretty’s experience and energy as key elements that will help him get right back in the game.

“He’s obviously a physical, fast player, he plays very straight lines,” Matthews said, speaking after morning skate Thursday. “I think he’s pretty fired up to get back in the lineup. It’s been a little while for him, but he’s a veteran guy. I think he knows what to do out there, especially in this kind of situation.”

Pacioretty hasn’t played since February 8th, after suffering an undisclosed injury during the 4 Nations break. He was placed on IR in late February, then moved to LTIR on March 8th. Asked about making the jump right into a playoff series already underway, Pacioretty said he feels ready.

“I’ve done it before, I was a little bit younger though,” Pacioretty said, getting a laugh from the media. “But, I feel confident, I’m ready to go. I’ve put in a lot of hard work, a lot of really good resources here we’ve spoken about time and time again to help you get up to speed without playing a game.”

Playing in his 17th season in the NHL, there’s no denying Pacioretty has shown a lot of resilience in coming back from an injury to make his way onto the team’s playoff roster. Speaking after practice, fellow veteran Chris Tanev praised Pacioretty’s physical and mental fortitude and the strength he brings to the locker room.

“He’s been through a ton throughout his career, throughout the last few years for sure,” said the 35-year-old blueliner. “I’m sure he’s extremely eager to suit up today after a couple hard years of rehab and grind. That can wear on you physically, mentally, and he’s just done a great job of being present and enjoying himself and being fun around the boys.”

Pacioretty skated on the fourth line in practice Thursday morning alongside Max Domi and Bobby McMann. The 36-year-old signed a one-year contract with Toronto in the off-season last year, and has five goals and 13 points in 37 games played this season.