The Pittsburgh Penguins will likely see defensemen P.O. Joseph return to the lineup.

After a handful of weeks on the shelf, defenseman P.O. Joseph is set to return to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup.

Joseph has only played in five games so far this season with his last coming in the Penguins huge victory over the San Jose Sharks.

In those five games, Joseph hasn’t looked outstanding and was seemingly healthy scratched prior to his injury against the Sharks.

During his time away from the team, Joseph was sent to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for a conditioning stint that lasted a pair of games and should help bring him up to speed for the NHL.

Head coach Mike Sullivan did not confirm that Joseph is playing, but it seems likely with defenseman Dmitri Samorukov being placed on waivers.

Both Joseph and defenseman Chad Ruhwedel have been absent from the Penguins lineup for a while, opening the door for Ryan Shea and John Ludvig to make their NHL debut and find consistent time.

With Joseph returning, it is likely that Shea is the player to be taken out.

Shea has played in 22 total games and has yet to be taken out of the lineup since making his NHL debut; he’s scored no points in that time.

Joseph returning and Ruhwedel getting closer himself will open up the Penguins depth defensive battle that has been raging since training camp.

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