Ottawa Senators left wing Clarke MacArthur made his return to the lineup in Tuesday night's 2-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings.
The Senators announced his surprising return earlier Tuesday, less than two months after the team had said he would not play this season as he dealt with post-concussion syndrome.
MacArthur hadn't played since Oct. 14, 2015. He suffered another concussion at training camp this past September.
In January, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said team doctors had recommended shutting down MacArthur for the season after MacArthur failed the necessary concussion baseline test. MacArthur, though, said at the time that he still hoped to return next season.
Last week while the Senators were on the road, he passed another baseline test.
MacArthur played just under 10 minutes Tuesday night.
"I was just trying to manage my emotions during the game," he said. "I felt pretty good. I wasn't sure I was going to get back, and it was great to get back with the guys, and obviously a big win.
"Everyone has seen what's been going on the past couple of years, and it was great to be back playing. I was very thankful toward the organization to give me the opportunity to play again. Best day I've had in a while."
MacArthur is a three-time 20-goal scorer in his 11-year NHL career and scored a career-high 24 goals in 2013-14, his first season with the Senators.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.