Letang to make long-awaited return

Kris Letang is expected to rejoin the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup when they take on the New York Rangers on Thursday night.

Letang missed 21 straight games after suffering a concussion from a hit to the head from Max Pacioretty against the Montreal Canadiens on Nov. 26.

Penguins head coach Dan Blysma said Letang could play significant minutes in his return.

"I still think he's going to be used in a top-four role and against other good players and on the power play, so he is going to play a fair amount of minutes," Blysma told the local media on Thursday.

The 24-year-old defenceman leaned on Sidney Crosby, who has had concussion problems of his own, during his time away from the team and Letang couldn't be more excited to finally return to the ice.

"It's been a rough time, honestly sitting at home," Letang said. "Watching my teammates play is kind of boring."

The Quebec native has 19 points and a plus-five rating in 22 games this season and could be paired up with Brooks Orpik on Thursday.