Alex Tanguay (knee) is expected to return from injured reserve for Friday's game against the Panthers, Mike Chambers of the Denver Post reports.

Tanguay (knee) is expected to return from injured reserve for Friday's game against the Panthers, Mike Chambers of the Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

Coach Patrick Roy hasn't confirmed that Tanguay will be in Friday's lineup, but it would seem that's likely the case after Brad Malone was reassigned to AHL Lake Erie on Wednesday. Tanguay hasn't played since Nov. 2 as he dealt with the knee and hip injuries, so he might not be able to reclaim his old top-six role immediately upon returning.