According to Mlive.com, Ken Holland told reporters that defenseman Alexey Marchenko is close to returning to the Red Wings’ blue line.

Marchenko has missed the last seven games with a shoulder injury but could be back in time for Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings. The 25-year-old defenseman last played against the Arizona Coyotes on December 13th, a game which Marchenko played 11:02 before being injuring his shoulder.

Marchenko, originally a 7th round draft pick in 2011, has amassed three goals and 15 assists for 18 points in 102 career NHL games with the Red Wings.