Edmonton Oilers defenseman Martin Marincin, 22, will return to the Oilers lineup Friday night against the New Jersey Devils.
Marincin hasn't played an NHL game since Nov. 7, so his return is a longtime coming.
"It is hard," Marincin said of not being an everyday player. "But I was just working hard in practice to be ready for a chance to play a game.
"From up top, it’s a better look at the game. I learned a lot and hopefully I bring everything to the game tonight."
Marincin is expected to be partnered with Mark Fayne on Friday night.