Patrick Eaves will return to action for Tuesday's game against the Canadiens, Mark Stepneski of NHL.com reports.

Eaves (lower body) is expected to return to action for Tuesday's game against the Canadiens, Mark Stepneski of NHL.com reports.

Analysis:

Eaves, who hasn't played since Dec. 2 with a lower-body injury, was nearing a return last week and looks to be good to go after getting some extra time off over the All-Star break. The 30-year-old, who has eight points through 19 games, should return to his usual role on the team's third or fourth line. His formal activation from IR should come after Tuesday's morning skate.