Martin Brodeur back at practice, could return Thursday

New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur returned to practice on Monday after missing the last 12 games with a pinched nerve in his upper back, according to multiple reports. Brodeur said the injury was causing him to have numbness in his shoulder and in his back.

The 40-year-old Brodeur last suited up for the Devils in a 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals on February 21. Brodeur expects to be ready to start on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. It’s possible Brodeur will suit up tomorrow night as a backup when the Devils take on the New York Rangers.

Johan Hedberg has started every game in net in Brodeur’s absence and the Devils have gone 3-7-2 during that time. They currently hold the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.

Brodeur said he could be ready to start Thursday and may dress as backup vs. Rangers—
Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) March 18, 2013

Brodeur: "If I feel good by Thursday I should be fine."—
Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) March 18, 2013