It might not be long before a shaggy-haired, 6-foot-4 plug returns to help fill the hole in that leaky Maple Leaf defence. Coach Paul Maurice, whose club had allowed 33 goals in its seven previous games entering last night, said yesterday the team is very pleased with the recovery of defenceman Pavel Kubina. Asked if Kubina might return to the lineup some time in mid-November, Maurice broke into a smile. "I think that might be a bit conservative," he said. "I'm hopeful it will be earlier than that."