Erik Gudbranson: Returning to lineup Thursday

Gudbranson (upper body) will be in the lineup Thursday night, when the Panthers host the Coyotes, George Richards of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis:

Gudbranson returns from an eight-game absence to try and shut down a Coyotes team that averages 2.72 goals per game, ninth in the NHL. He's been getting close to 20 minutes of ice time per game, albeit with minimal impact in the attacking zone. Gudbranson has just six points in 51 games, but there's bound to be fantasy leagues where his 127 hits help out to some degree.