Celebrini returns after missing 12 games with injury

Macklin Celebrini returned to the San Jose Sharks' lineup Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Celebrini played through a reported hip injury in the season opener (which the Sharks lost to the St. Louis Blues in overtime) and hadn't played since. The 18-year-old forward scored his first NHL goal, added an assist, and played 17:35 in his debut.

San Jose deemed the Boston University standout week-to-week when the club placed him on injured reserve Oct. 12.

The reigning Hobey Baker Award winner also missed two preseason games after departing an exhibition contest against Utah.

San Jose went 3-8-1 without Celebrini in the lineup. The team lost eight straight after the opener to become the first NHL club ever to start two straight seasons with nine consecutive defeats. However, the Sharks then reeled off three wins in a row before the Vancouver Canucks edged them 3-2 on Saturday.