Zack Kassian is expected back as Vancouver Canucks face off against Detroit Red Wings

The Canucks are hoping to put a disappointing loss behind them when they lace up the skates tonight against the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit is in third place in the Atlantic division with 49 points in 38 games. Vancouver is tied for third spot with San Jose and Calgary in the Pacific Division with 45 points.

The Canucks have two games in hand on the Sharks and four games in hand on the Flames.

Forward Zack Kassian is expected to be back in the lineup at Rogers Arena following the Los Angeles Kings' come-from-behind 3-2 victory in Vancouver on January 1.

Kassian has two goals and three assists in 17 games this year. He missed 13 games with a broken finger.

His return comes amid rumours that he could be traded.

General manager Jim Benning has already unloaded other players acquired by his predecessor, Mike Gillis, including David Booth and Keith Ballard.

Tom Sestito, a favourite of former head coach John Tortorella, has been put on waivers.

Kassian, a first-round draft pick, came to Vancouver in a trade for Cody Hodgson in 2012. Hodgson has only two goals and four assists this year after scoring 20 goals last year.