He’s faced a season of adversity – being injured, hiding a concussion, and lately being a healthy scratch as his name is being mentioned in trade rumours.

But Colby Armstrong knows Saturday’s game against the visiting Washington Capitals is as big a game for the Maple Leafs as it is for himself.

Usually a light-hearted presence in the dressing room, Armstrong was far more serious after the morning skate, knowing what would be at stake for Toronto in a few hours at the Air Canada Centre.

“Everyone can see the standings. Everybody can see where we are. We’ve fallen out,” Armstrong, 29, said. “Washington is one of the teams we’re battling. We’ve got the standings posted. We look at it every day and night. The standings shift. We know we’re in a dogfight and we’re trying to win games and gain some ground and stay in this…We’re going through a tough stretch for sure.”

With Brian Burke calling up Matt Frattin from the Toronto Marlies to play, Armstrong could easily find himself back in the press box for Tuesday’s game against the Florida Panthers, the team Leafs are now actually chasing for the final playoff spot in the East. He could also find himself playing for a different team following Monday’s trade deadline.

“We deal with it (trade rumours) every year so it’s nothing new. It’s something that happens and every guy gets used to it,” said Armstrong, who was traded from Pittsburgh to Atlanta on trade day in 2008 in a deal that included Marian Hossa heading to the Penguins.

“For me, there are two days as a hockey player. Practice day and the game. I just try to focus on them. If you get too caught up in it, it will drag you down.”

To make room for Armstrong’s return, Leafs placed Darryl Boyce and Jay Rosehill on waivers on Friday. On Saturday, Boyce was claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Saturday’s game provides Armstrong with a chance to show coach Ron Wilson that he’s too valuable to be sitting in the press box. When he’s on his game, Armstrong is one of those agitators teams hate to play against, especially in the corners and in front of the net.

Wilson said Armstrong provides “veteran leadership and grit” for a team that has now lost seven of its past eight games and has dropped out of a playoff spot in the East.

“He’s effective when he’s cycling the puck,” Wilson said. “It’s just been an off year for him. Every time he’s gotten going, something bad has happened to him. Being a positive leader is what we need from him.”

But he’s pointless in seven games since returning from a concussion and has been a healthy scratch in four of Leafs last seven games, six of which were losses. He’s had only one assist in the 16 games that he’s played this season.

“No one wants to be sat out. Obviously, you want to come in and do your job and be successful and win games,” Armstrong said. “Take what they give you and make the most of it. This is my chance to get back in the game and stay there.

“I’m not going to try to do too much. Just play hard and be an in your face game. And be effective.”

Leafs start the night in 10th place in the East, one point behind Florida, who has two games in hand. Leafs are also behind the Capitals, who have the same number of points (65), but have more wins.

Armstrong missed 23 games early in the season because of a painful high ankle strain that occurred against the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 19. The Saskatchewan native also had an injury-plagued season last year, his first in Toronto. He missed 32 games with injuries to his fingers, feet and an eye.

“I was hoping I could work my way back into the lineup and get better every game,” Armstrong said. “But it is what it is. I’m trying to move forward and do well from here on out.”

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Armstrong signed with Toronto as an unrestricted free agent in July 2010. He has another year left on his $3 million per season contract.

“