Staal (personal) is expected to be back in the lineup Thursday against the Leafs, Newsday's Steve Zipay reports.

EDGE Analysis

Staal missed Wednesday's matchup against the Blackhawks while he and his wife awaited the birth of their second child, and although there hasn't been an official announcement from the team, the defenseman seems likely to be available Thursday. If he does need to miss another game, Dylan McIlrath would be the likely candidate to stay in the starting lineup.