Norris Trophy winning defenceman Erik Karlsson will be returning to the Ottawa Senator's line-up for this first time since suffering a torn Achilles tendon during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins just 10 weeks ago. 

Karlsson is expected to return on April 25th against the Washington Capitals. Initially, doctors believed Karlsson's injury would cause him to miss the remainder of the season and post-season. Just a day earlier, Karlsson himself was doubtful that he would be to return on April 25th.

“You’ve got to let the body decide once in a while. Even though I’ve been skating a lot lately and it’s been feeling better, it still doesn’t feel normal”  said Karlsson during a press conference on April 24th. 

This is in stark contrast with today’s announcement on Karlsson’s Twitter page.  “BOOM.! FINALLY.! Back in the line up tonight. #soFHappy #cantwait #lalala” his Twitter page read.  

The Ottawa Senators have been struggling lately without their top players, with a record of 4-6 in their last ten games. Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek and Erik Karlsson have been injured for most of the season.

The younger players, most notably Kyle Turris, Jakob Silfverburg and Mika Zibanejad have contributed to the team’s continued success despite the loss of their most veteran players. However, with just three games remaining, the Senators find themselves holding down 7th place in the Eastern Conference, just one point ahead of the 9th place Winnipeg Jets. 

The addition of Karlsson will be a welcomed relief for a team who has been struggling as of late. While Jason Spezza is still out of the line-up with a back injury, Michalek has since returned.

The Ottawa Senators (23-16-6) need to win at least one of their last three remaining game to clinch a playoff berth. They will most likely face the Pittsburgh Penguins (35-11-0), the Boston Bruins ( 27-13-5) or the Washington Capitals (26-18-2) .