Goalie rumored in trade talks to make his first start in three weeks.

Earlier in the week TSN insider Bob McKenzie indicated that something had to give in Tampa Bay, and that general manager Steve Yzerman would likely consider a trade of just about anyone with the possible exception of Jonathan Drouin. Now one of the players most often mentioned in trade rumors is making his return this week.

A report from the National Hockey League's official website has revealed that goaltender Ben Bishop is back in the line up for the first time since taking himself out of a game three weeks ago on December 20th, and furthermore that Bishop is expected to start for the Lightning once he's ready to go this week.

From NHL.com:

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop was a full participant at practice Wednesday and is likely to play against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday or the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday after missing nine games because of a lower-body injury.

Much like veteran goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury in Pittsburgh there is a widely held belief that the veteran Bishop will be traded prior to the end of the season as the younger Andrei Vasilevskiy looks poised to assume the role as the team's number one goaltender, much in the way Matt Murray has usurped Fleury.

These next few stars for Bishop may be critical as they could very well be a showcase for his future team.