Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett will make his return to the lineup for Sunday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks, head coach Paul Maurice confirmed.
Bennett suffered a lower-body injury on Oct. 30 against the Boston Bruins in his season debut.
The 27-year-old forward left the contest after Bruins defenceman Hampus Lindholm fell awkwardly on his left leg. He had to be helped off the ice and immediately headed to the team's locker room. He played 7:54 before he was forced to leave.
Bennett had 16 goals and 24 assists in 63 games for the Panthers last season. He was also excellent in the Panthers' run to the Stanley Cup Final, scoring five goals and dishing out 10 assists in 20 playoff games.
Bennett was selected by the Calgary Flames fourth overall in the 2014 NHL Draft before being dealt to the Panthers during the 2020-21 season.
The Panthers (8-4-1) sit fourth in the Atlantic Division. You can watch Florida take on Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT.
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