Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon returns Saturday

Nathan MacKinnon was activated off injured reserve and will be in the Colorado Avalanche lineup when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.

Out the past 11 games with an upper-body injury, MacKinnon had his status firmed up prior to puck drop. He hasn't played since leaving a 5-3 loss at the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 5.

"He's close too. Really close," Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said earlier Saturday. "