Islanders' Visnovsky expected to to make season debut Thursday vs. Bruins

The way has been paved for the return of Lubomir Visnovsky to the New York Islanders lineup.

The club placed forward Mikhail Grabovski on injured reserve Wednesday, opening up a roster spot to activate the defenseman in advance of Thursday's game against the Boston Bruins, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports.

Visnovsky's been unable to play so far this season due to a back injury.