'You Don't Have To Complicate It': What The Maple Leafs Want To See From Philippe Myers Against Blackhawks With Jake McCabe Out Of The Lineup

Philippe Myers has waited his turn and is ready to get another opportunity in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup.

The 27-year-old defenseman hasn't been in the lineup since Toronto's 3-2 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins on Oct. 26. He's played in three games since, though, with the Toronto Marlies on a conditioning loan, from Nov. 16 to 20.

With Jake McCabe out of the lineup dealing with an upper-body injury, Myers will line up alongside Morgan Rielly on Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

"This obviously means a lot to me and I've been patient. Just trying to be a good teammate and hyping up the boys," Myers said after the Maple Leafs' morning skate. "They've been playing really well and it's been fun to watch, but, I'm excited to get in here."

During Myers' three games with the Marlies, he skated alongside Marshall Rifai on the team's second defense pairing. He admitted, after his first AHL game with the club, that it's never easy sitting on the sidelines of an NHL lineup, but that he's gotten used to the role.

Related: 'Being In This Position Takes A Little Bit Of Maturity': Maple Leafs' Philippe Myers Enjoying Playing Time With Marlies Amid Run Of Healthy Scratches In NHL

Myers echoed a similar sentiment on Monday, saying he's in a better headspace for it this season.

"Yeah, obviously it's not easy, but I've kind of been around. I've experienced it a little bit over the years and I think I have a good mindset for it this year. And, I'm obviously grateful to be here and I'm grateful to be around the guys. I'm super fired up to play."

Although he'll be playing his second game of the season against the league-worst Chicago Blackhawks, Myers will be in for a tough evening. Playing alongside Rielly on the top pairing, the two are likely to have some of the matchups against Connor Bedard.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has liked how Myers has practiced with the team while on the sidelines. And going into the defenseman's second game of the year, Toronto's bench boss just wants Myers to play his game.

"He hasn't played for a while since the Boston game in Boston, but, he's practiced well and he works extremely hard. So, just keep it simple with him. Like, he's a big guy. He can move well, be physical, defend well," Berube said on Monday.

"He's playing with Morgan Rielly and Morgan can move the puck, and just play your game. That's his game. It's simple. You know, you don't have to complicate it. He's got a good shot. Let's use it tonight. We get opportunities in the offensive zone. He should be ripping pucks."