The skidding San Jose Sharks could be in for a boost Tuesday in Calgary.
Logan Couture has missed the last 23 games with a fractured right fibula, but the centre could return to the lineup to face the Flames.
The 26-year-old was activated off injured reserve Monday and practiced with the Sharks, who are mired in a three-game losing skid and have a tenuous grip on a playoff spot in a tight Pacific Division race.
Couture took rushes with Patrick Marleau and Joel Ward, his regular linemates before breaking his leg during a practice in New Jersey on Oct. 15.
The forward was originally projected to miss four to six weeks of action.
“I hope [to play],” Couture told the club website after practice Monday.
Coach Peter DeBoer will make the decision Tuesday.
“I’ve told him I feel ready to go, well see what the lineup is tomorrow,” Couture said. “I’ve been dying to get back in for the last little while. It’s not easy just watching. It’s not easy just practising.
“Today was a good day just to be out there with the guys on a regular line to feel you’re part of the team again. I felt like myself finally.”
Couture finished second to Joe Pavelski in club scoring last season, notching 27 goals and a career-best 40 assists.
He registered one assist in the three games he did play this season, all San Jose wins.
“You’re adding a point-a-game guy to your lineup, which is a huge addition,” said DeBoer.
