Nashville Predators' P.K. Subban to return from injury

The Nashville Predators will have their star defenseman back for the playoff push.

The club activated P.K. Subban from injured reserve Friday and he'll suit for the contest later at night against the Edmonton Oilers.

The 27-year-old, who was voted captain of the Central Division All-Star team, was sidelined the past 16 games with what the Predators would only call an upper-body injury, though The Tennessean reported it was a suspected herniated disc that Subban played through before finally opting for rest.

Senators forward Clarke MacArthur won't return this season

Stars struggle but keep playoffs in sight

Subban led Nashville in ice time through the 29 games he played with an average of more than 25 minutes. He has seven goals and 17 points this season after coming over from the Montreal Canadiens in a blockbuster summer trade.

Subban will provide a big boost to a club that also has played without its No. 2 defenseman, Roman Josi. He remains on IR with an upper-body injury of his own.

The Predators currently hold the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference with 49 points.