Preds forward Steve Sullivan, recovering from a back injury suffered in February 2007, indicated that he is close to making a return to NHL game action. Sullivan has been practicing regularly with the full team since mid-December and has participated in contact drills the past week and half. ( Video from today's practice )

Sullivan will not play in either of the Preds next two games, but neither he nor the team would comment about a timeline beyond then. However Preds Head Coach Barry Trotz indicated that the coaches have started to discuss line combinations and ice time management for Sullivan if he is able to return to action. Trotz indicated that Sullivan will be placed on the power-play unit and the coaches will look for him to skate a regular even-strength shift with an eye toward him seeing 15-18 minutes a night from Game 1.

He practiced with the team again today and intends to participate in morning skate tomorrow (Jan. 6) and Thursday (Jan. 8) with full practices on Wednesday and Friday. After Friday’s practice he will re-evaluate his progress.