Joni Pitkanen signs with Finland's Karpat, returns to ice Saturday

Joni Pitkanen last played hockey nearly three years ago. On Saturday, after a long, arduous recovery, he’ll finallyreturn to the ice.

Karpat of Finland’s Liiga, where Pitkanen played from 1998-2003, announced on Friday that the 32-year old Pitkanen has signed with them for the remainder of the season.

Pitkanen last played on April 2, 2013 when he broke his left heel during a game with the Carolina Hurricanes.

While rehabbing, Pitkanen continued to try and get back on the ice, but the heel just wouldn’t allow him to feel 100-percent. In November, he spoke about making a comeback bid after training with Karpat. On Saturday, he’ll suit up for their game against KalPa.

In 535 NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes, Pitkanen averaged 23:38 of ice time, even as he battle injury throughout his career.

If all goes well Saturday, Pitkanen told Kaleva he would like to play in Tuesday's Champions Hockey League Final when Karpat take on Sweden's Frolunda.

"I've done a lot of work in front of my return, and finally it is realized," he said.

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy

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