Methot (knee) is now a full participant in practice and could return by the end of this week, Mark Stepneski of the Stars' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's been a brutal, injury-ridden season for Methot, so it's good to see some positive news regarding his health. The 32-year-old blueliner has appeared in just 16 games and failed to register a point so far this year. Nothing is set in stone, but a return against the rival Blackhawks on Thursday isn't out of the questions.

Methot (knee) will start skating later this week, and is expected to enter the lineup shortly after the All-Star break.

EDGE Analysis

Anytime a player suffers a lower-body injury, it's always good news they're planning on lacing up the skates. Head coach Ken Hitchcock stated he expects Methot to rejoin the team after the All-Star break, as either a full-time player or in practice. This stays in line with the 32-year-old's original two-plus week prognosis, and hopefully when Methot returns, he'll finally be 100 percent after already missing 32 games in 2017-18, and can start putting points on the statsheet.

Methot (knee) has been designated for injured reserve, with the transaction retroactive to Jan. 4, Mark Stepneski of the Stars' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Methot has been given a return timetable of two-plus weeks, and we expect the Stars to tread carefully since the defenseman experienced a setback before being placed on the shelf once again. A stay-at-home type, Methot's absence doesn't hold much weight in the fantasy realm. After all, he's gone pointless through 16 games this campaign.

Methot (knee) will miss at least two weeks after undergoing a procedure, Mark Stepneski of the Stars' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Methot has played in just one game since Nov. 10 due to his nagging knee issue and will opt to undergo a procedure that hopefully won't hold him on the sidelines too much longer. Even when healthy, the veteran blueliner doesn't sport much intrigue from a fantasy standpoint, failing to tally a point over 16 games this season. More updates on Methot's status should surface as he draws closer to rejoining the lineup.

Methot (knee) wasn't on the ice for morning skate Friday, Mark Stepneski of the Stars' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is an ominous sign for Methot as the Stars prepare to face the Avalanche on the road Saturday. Typically, a skater has to turn in consecutive full-contact practices before getting the green light to return, and Methot's situation is further complicated by the fact that he's experienced this setback after missing 26 straight contests from Nov. 10 - Jan 2.

Methot (knee) was a late scratch from Saturday's game against the Oilers, Mark Stepneski of the Stars' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Methot reportedly gave it a go in warmups, but he experienced soreness afterwards, and that paved the way for Julius Honka to enter the contest instead. Methot missed 26 straight games before returning to the lineup against the Devils on Thursday. Fortunately, he'll have a solid week to rest his lingering ailment before the Stars are to suit up against the Avalanche.

Methot (knee) recorded three hits, two shots on goal and a block on the way to a 4-3 home win over the Devils on Thursday. He skated for 15:32.

EDGE Analysis

Methot is still searching for his first point through 16 games, but the Stars certainly didn't pick up the former Senators defenseman thinking he'd be an offensive savior. The Canadian is more of a physical, shutdown type that is far more valuable to his club than he is to fantasy owners on a relative scale.

Methot (knee) will return to the lineup Thursday night against the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Methot missed the past 26 games, but Dallas remains competitive in the Central Division and likely would have no reason to rush the defenseman back before he's ready. However, his season started with zero points through 15 games, and Methot's more known for his own-zone contributions anyway. Consider alternatives if you need help on the virtual blue line.

Methot (knee) is on pace to return Thursday against the visiting Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Once Methot is lifted from injured reserve, that will be the telling sign that he's ready to rock. The low-end defenseman has yet to record a point this season through 15 games, but he does have 36 hits and 22 blocked shots, giving him some utility in leagues that count those ancillary categories.

Methot (knee) won't be ready to play Sunday against the Sharks, Mike Heika of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The shutdown defenseman has been out since Nov. 10. There was speculation that he potentially could play Sunday, but we won't see Methot until the calendar flips to 2018; perhaps he'll feel good enough to go against the Blue Jackets on Tuesday.