Erik Cole (upper body) returned to practice on Wednesday and will be a game-time decision on Thursday, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.

Cole (upper body) returned to practice on Wednesday and will be a game-time decision on Thursday, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.

Analysis:

Cole left a Jan. 20 game against the Bruins with an injury and hasn't yet returned. He was fortunate that his absence extended over the All-Star break, as it doesn't sound like he'll have to miss much actual game action.