Henrik Tallinder (photo: Getty Images)

* Henrik Tallinder said he feels ready to return to the lineup after missing the last 10 games with a shoulder injury.

“The doctors have given him the okay to push ahead to try to get involved in a lot heavier stuff,” Head Coach Lindy Ruff said, “from the battling in practice to pushing a little bit harder up ice. It’s just how [the shoulder] responds to that.”

		Henrik Tallinder Interview
		Lindy Ruff Interview
		Adam Mair Interview
		Paul Gaustad Interview

Tallinder said while he still can feel some pain, the decision as to whether or not he can play comes down to being able to take a hit.

“We’ll see. I’ve started contact now,” Tallinder said. “It’s a little bit up to me, a little bit up to [the coaching staff].”

* Paul Gaustad’s return is also imminent after missing the last five games with a shoulder injury.

The centerman could be in the lineup as early as Tuesday night when the Sabres travel to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs.

* Maxim Afinogenov participated in practice Monday morning at HSBC Arena as well.

Ruff said it was the winger’s first full practice with the team since suffering a groin injury Jan. 3 in Boston, but did not give a timetable for his return.

“We’ll just have to wait and see,” Ruff said.