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Pens getting back Dupuis after nearly year-long absence

Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Rangers

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 18: Pascal Dupuis #9 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in action against the New York Rangers during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 18, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

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Pascal Dupuis’ nearly year-long absence from the NHL is about to end.

He’ll be in the lineup tonight against the Dallas Stars tonight, per the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Twitter feed. He last played on Nov. 15 because of blood clots and when Dupuis was finally ready to return for the 2015-16 campaign, he was furthered delayed by a lower-body injury.

Combined that with the knee injury that limited him to 39 contests in 2013-14 and it’s reasonable to say that Dupuis has endured far than his fair share of health issues over the last few years.

His services have been sorely missed in Pittsburgh. Before those health problems threatened to derail his career, Dupuis could excel in a bottom-six forward role, but he also meshed well with Sidney Crosby.

That kind of versatility would be a nice boost for the Penguins, although it’s not clear if the 36-year-old will be able to pick up where he left off after missing so much time.

In the short-term, he’s projected to play on the fourth line. That could naturally change in a hurry though.