Marian Hossa: Will return Friday

Hossa (leg) will rejoin the lineup for Friday's contest against the Stars.

Analysis:

Hossa's long-awaited return was pushed back from an expected return date of Wednesday, so it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that he's playing Friday. The veteran will skate alongside new teammate Andrew Ladd for the first time since he was acquired prior to the trade deadline, moving Andrew Shaw down to a bottom-six role. There's no reason to believe he can't at least pick up where he left off prior to the injury, and Hossa could accelerate the pace down the stretch having just 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) through 54 contests this season.