Marco Scandella expects to be back in the lineup for the Wild on Wednesday night against Winnipeg. The big defenseman spent most of the past month on the long term injured reserve because of a high ankle sprain.
"I've been skating for about 10 days now. I feel really good. [It's a] divisional game, so really excited about it," Scandella said.
"It's never fun getting hurt. I knew it wasn't going to be a two-day injury. But … I've been skating for 10 days, rehabbing a lot, so I feel really good."
Scandella injured himself Oct. 28 in a win over Buffalo and missed the next 10 games.
Matt Dumba was paired with Scandella during Tuesday's practice at Xcel Energy Center and is eager to have his partner back on game days.
"He's awesome for our team," Dumba added. "He adds some size, he's got skill, he's a very versatile, so it will be awesome to have him back."
Wild coach Bruce Boudreau wouldn't commit to playing Scandella, saying it will be a game-time decision. He added Scandella won't immediately be back on the power play, but "he'll play as many minutes as he warrants.
"He's looking fine, just got to make sure his conditioning is where we want it. … He's an established veteran and he's a good player and so we want him back as quick as possible."
