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P.K. Subban returns after 16 game absence

Screencap via The Tennessean
Screencap via The Tennessean

The Nashville Predators get a big boost tonight as superstar defenseman (and fashionista, clearly) P.K. Subban is activated off of IR and will be in the lineup against the Edmonton OIlers.

Subban missed 16 games all together with an upper-body injury. Adam Vingan of The Tennessean notes the injury is thought to be a herniated disc.

After two full practices with the team, GM David Poile thought Subban would make his debut around Jan. 24 when the team returned home. Clearly he’s ahead of schedule.

“It’s just another step in the right direction,” Subban said to The Tennessean. “Every day that went by, I was just itching at the opportunity to get back in there and happy to be able to do that tonight.”

“I’m obviously not trying to win (Friday’s) game on my own,” Subban continued. “Just trying to do my part and take my time to get back in it. I think it’s been about five weeks since I’ve been in a hockey game, so just trying to get my feet wet. This will be the first step for me.”

His return helps to partial patch a big hole on the Preds blueline. Roman Josi was placed on IR retroactively to Jan. 12 with (another) concussion. He may return next week.

Subban played in 29 games prior to his injury; registering 7 goals and 17 points. He is second to Josi in average ice-time per game at 25:03.

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Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter!