Canucks' Hamhuis to return from 21-game absence Saturday

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis is expected to make his long-awaited return to the lineup Saturday against the Calgary Flames, head coach Willie Desjardins confirmed Friday.

The 33-year-old has missed the club's last 21 games after suffering a facial fracture upon taking a Dan Boyle slap shot to the face during a game against the New York Rangers back on Dec. 9.

"I feel like training camp is over again, and I'm excited to return tomorrow" - Hamhuis, who will wear a modified helmet going forward.

- Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) February 5, 2016

The Canucks have gone just 9-8-4 during Hamhuis' absence and sit four points outside of the final playoff position in the Western Conference.

Earlier Friday, the Canucks placed defenseman Yannick Weber on waivers, which made room for Hamhuis' place on the roster.

Copyright (C) 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.