Leafs recall defenceman Liles for road trip through Western Canada

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled defenceman John-Michael Liles as they prepare for a three-game road trip through Western Canada.

Liles will likely serve as a seventh defenceman as the Leafs start the road swing Tuesday night in Edmonton.

Liles cleared waivers and sent to the AHL's Toronto Marlies before the season started, as he often looked like the odd defenceman out in training camp. By sending him to the Marlies, the Leafs saved US$925,000 on his $3.875-million salary-cap hit.

Liles had a goal and four assists in eight games with the Marlies this season.

The 32-year-old from Indianapolis has 77 goals and 236 assists in 621 NHL games with Colorado and Toronto.