Flames' Smid set to return Friday after 9-month layoff

Ladislav Smid will return to the Calgary Flames' blue line Friday after a nine-month absence when they take on the Detroit Red Wings, Sportsnet's Roger Millions reports.

Smid, one of five Flames defensemen earning more than $3.5 million annually, has been sidelined since January with a neck problem that required surgery.

He's in the second-to-last season of a four-year, $14-million deal signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 2013.

Smid is expected to pair with Dougie Hamilton.