Milan Michalek feels like a kid again.
Sidelined with a finger injury since Jan. 22, Michalek - acquired as part of the Dion Phaneuf trade with Ottawa - is expected to play his first game with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday against Buffalo, and is excited to take to the ice with the likes of William Nylander, Nikita Soshnikov, and Zach Hyman.
"There is lots of talent, as everyone can see," Michalek told Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun. "I knew it coming here. I remember playing against (many of the Leafs prospects) in preseason and they looked good. I am excited to play with them.
"It’s amazing. They are so talented and really fun to be around. It’s a joy in the locker room, too. It has been tough for me coming in here being injured. It's going to be nice getting into games and getting to know my teammates that way."
The 31-year-old skated on a line with Brad Boyes and Peter Holland in practice Sunday.
Michalek remains under contract through to the end of next season at a salary cap hit of $4 million. He recorded six goals and four assists in 32 games for the Senators prior to the injury.
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