Detroit Red Wings forward Mitchell Stephens made his long-awaited return to the lineup on Saturday after a five-month absence while recovering from a lower-body injury.

Stephens, 25, recorded the secondary helper on Sam Gagner’s goal in the second period of Saturday’s 5–4 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, although it was Marc Staal who put in the majority of the work to set up the play with a gorgeous tape-to-tape pass.

The Red Wings activated Stephens off injured reserve hours before their game against Columbus. The 5’11” centre had practiced with the club for weeks leading up to his return; he now has five points (all assists) in 17 games with the Red Wings this season.

Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning during Steve Yzerman’s managerial tenure with the club, Stephens was acquired by Yzerman’s new team for a 2022 sixth-round pick during the 2021 off-season.

Assuming he plays the majority of Detroit’s remaining games this season, Stephens will have the option to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. He logged 7:55 in Saturday’s game against Columbus.

Stephens’ name is on the Stanley Cup in recognition of his contribution to the Bolts’ 2020 championship team. In 62 career regular-season games with the Lightning and Red Wings, Stephens has three goals and 12 points.

More from WingsNation

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mets stars reportedly had emotional reaction to firing of Buck Showalter
NHL announces 2024 King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner
Cardinals sign first-round DL
Negro League legend finally getting his due as MLB merges stats
Rams sign first-round DE, complete draft class
Steelers QB Justin Fields focusing on 'little things' amid battle with Russell Wilson
Texans sign young offensive star to huge contract extension
Pistons confirm that key RFA forward underwent toe surgery
Pirates place left-hander, catcher on injured list
Mavs get good news on Maxi Kleber ahead of Game 4
Patriots exec discusses team's approach to QB competition
Braves to promote No. 3 prospect for MLB debut Wednesday
Diamondbacks release veteran infielder
Packers' former first-round pick planning to make 'monster leap'
NFLPA finalizing proposal for major change to offseason schedule
LeBron James shouts out Jaylen Brown after Celtics advance to NBA Finals
Pacers collapse down the stretch as Celtics sweep ECF
Hall of Famer, beloved broadcaster Bill Walton dead at 71
Jason Robertson leads Stars to comeback win over Oilers in Game 3
Despite recent form, Rafael Nadal's legacy is still gold standard for tennis