Flyers RW Upshall to return vs. Canadiens

Oct 31, 2007 - 2:56 AM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- The Philadelphia Flyers will get one of their injured stars back when they continue their eight-game road trip against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.

Right wing Scottie Upshall, who has been sidelined with a fractured left wrist that he suffered in a preseason game, will return to the Atlantic Division leaders.

"It's a good feeling to get back into playing some games, getting to put on the jersey again with the guys, and do the whole ritual which I haven't been able to do in four weeks," Upshall said. "I'm ready to try it out and I feel great."

Acquired in the blockbuster deal which sent Peter Forsberg to the Nashville Predators last season, Upshall, 24, was impressive in his short stint with the Flyers, scoring six goals and 13 points in 18 games.

The sixth overall draft selection in 2002, the Alberta native has 17 tallies and 25 assists in 95 career games over parts of four campaigns.

While Upshall's return was welcome news, star left wing Simon Gagne is still not ready to suit up for the Flyers.

Gagne left Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers with dizziness after being hit by defenseman Jay Bouwmeester in the first period and did not return.

"It's a little bit better than Day One, but still not quite ready," Gagne said.

Fueled by the addition of center Daniel Briere, Gagne was off to a fast start this season with four goals and four assists in eight games.

The 22nd overall pick in 1998, the 27-year-old Gagne has 205 goals and 195 assists in 510 career contests. He has reached the 20-goal plateau in six of his seven seasons, including a pair of 40-goal campaigns.