For a team with the worst record in the Eastern Conference, this is the best news available: Jordan Staal returns to the Carolina Hurricanes lineup on Monday.
"I've been getting a little anxious the last few weeks, and I'm feeling comfortable on the ice," Staal told the Hurricanes website. "I'm just getting back to the speed of things."
The 'Canes play host to the Montreal Canadiens on Monday in a 7 p.m. ET start.
Staal watched his team struggle through nearly three months of the NHL schedule and deliver 10 wins. He hasn't played since Sept. 23, when he broke his right leg in an exhibition against the Buffalo Sabres.
Brother Eric Staal, the team's captain, is eager to see Jordan return, knowing the edge he brings to the game. It's something the Hurricanes sorely missed during his absence.
"I think not only with him but with some of the other injuries we've had we haven't had a lineup everyone envisioned when we started," captain Staal told The News & Observer of Raleigh, N.C. "That's no excuse. Other teams deal with that, as well. But it definitely has been a hole in the lineup."
While Jordan healed, Eric was playing with a sore foot that limited his production. On Monday, Jordan will center a line with Eric and Nathan Gerbe on the wings.
"Hopefully I get the big man going. It's exciting," Jordan Staal said. "I'm just excited to get back. Having him on my wing will ease my legs coming back as well, knowing he can do a lot of work down low, too."
More help is on the way. Winger Jiri Tlusty missed the past seven games with an injury but is expected to play Monday. Tlusty is the team's leading goal scorer.
Contributing: NHL.com