New Jersey Devils forward Erik Haula returns to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 4.
Erik Haula will return to the New Jersey Devils' lineup on Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ahead of warmups, the organization activated the veteran off injured reserve and re-assigned forward Brian Halonen to the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League.
Haula has missed the last 12 games with a sprained ankle. He was last in the lineup on Jan. 4 against the San Jose Sharks.
At Tuesday's morning skate, Keefe said Haula would be a game-time decision.
"He looks good but it will be a game-time type of thing," Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said to NJD.TV. "We will make sure there are no issues throughout the day. If he doesn't play tonight, he will play Thursday, but we will see what the rest of the day looks like. He was feeling good coming out of yesterday's practice, so that's positive."
At Monday's practice, Haula skated with Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer. Warmups confirm the trio will start the game together in Pittsburgh.
Haula has offensively been snakebitten with five goals and 11 points in 42 games but has been one of their more relied-upon centers after Nico Hischier. This season, the veteran has a face-off win percentage of 55.4%, second-best behind New Jersey's captain.
Puck drop between the Devils and Penguins will be at 7:08 P.M.
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