Patrick Eaves is on the verge of returning to NHL action for the first time since taking a slap shot to the head (broken jaw, concussion) on Nov. 26, 2011.
Per the Detroit News, the 28-year-old Red Wings forward has been cleared to play and will be on the season-opening roster.
While the news is great for Eaves, general manager Ken Holland admits another healthy forward “does create a logjam that we’ll deal with.”
One player that doesn’t currently comprise part of the logjam is Darren Helm; the 25-year-old forward has been placed on short-term injured reserve (back) with Friday’s game against Minnesota being targeted for his return.