TORONTO - Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf is expected to return to the Toronto lineup on Thursday night against the Philadelphia Flyers after missing a month with a hand injury.

Phaneuf took part in another full practice Wednesday and said he's as ready as he's going to be to play.

The defenceman was injured in a fight in Ottawa on Jan. 21 and hasn't played since, going through a frustrating setback a couple of weeks ago that delayed his return.

Interim coach Peter Horachek said he'll have to manage Phaneuf's minutes in his first action in over a month.

Phaneuf should be back on the power play, which has missed his shot especially since Cody Franson was traded to Nashville.

The defenceman's return likely means Petter Granberg will be out against Philadelphia.