Concussion-free Bouchard cleared to play by Wild

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Center Pierre-Marc Bouchard is set to suit up for the Minnesota Wild for the first time in more than a year.

The Wild announced on their website Tuesday that Bouchard has been cleared from his post-concussion symptoms to return to the team for Wednesday's game against Phoenix.

Bouchard took a hit to the head during a game in March 2009. He never fully recovered and after playing in last season's opener, Bouchard had to sit out again and has not been in the lineup since.

His absence has spanned 112 of the last 113 games. He began practicing with the team in October, but the Wild has taken a cautious approach.

The Wild reassigned forward Matt Kassian to their AHL club in Houston, opening a spot on the active roster.