Flyers' Van Riemsdyk will play vs. Devils after 16-game absence

Philadelphia Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk will return to the lineup Thursday against the New Jersey Devils after missing 16 games with a knee injury, head coach Dave Hakstol confirmed to reporters.

Van Riemsdyk's been out since leaving the Flyers' second game of the season on Oct. 6 after blocking a shot from Colorado Avalanche defenseman Mark Barberio.

The 29-year-old Van Riemsdyk signed a five-year, $35-million contract with Philadelphia - the team that originally drafted him No. 2 overall in 2007 - in the offseason after a six-year stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He's expected to play on the Flyers' third line alongside Jordan Weal and Wayne Simmonds. He'll also join the team's top power-play unit.

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