EDMONTON, Alberta – After nearly 19 months of frustration and several setbacks, Darren Helm is ready to return to action.

The Detroit Red Wings activated the fast-skating third-line center today, and he will make his season debut tonight against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place (10 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

Helm appeared in only one game last season due to a back injury. His comeback this season was delayed by two separate groin pulls.

To make room for Helm under the salary cap, the Red Wings have transferred defenseman Jonathan Ericsson from short-term injured reserve to long-term IR.

Ericsson, out since Oct. 19 with a dislocated left shoulder, isn’t expected to resume practicing until Wednesday. He must sit out a minimum of 10 games and 24 days. So he will not be eligible to return until the Nov. 15 game against Washington.

Johan Franzen won't play tonight after sitting out Wednesday's victory in Vancouver with an upper-body injury and then missing the third period in Calgary. He's expected to play Monday in Winnipeg.