Injury-plagued Sharks center Torrey Mitchell brought his sense of humor back with him after his latest conditioning assignment in Worcester.

"It was nice to make it through two games this year," Mitchell said Monday, a reference to the fact a similar stint in the minors last January ended prematurely when he reinjured his leg.

This time, Mitchell played five games for the Sharks' development team as he continues to work his way back into shape from another problem — tendinitis in his left knee — that has sidelined him the entire season.

But Mitchell's return from Worcester doesn't mean he'll automatically be in the lineup Wednesday night when the Sharks face the Chicago Blackhawks at HP Pavilion.

"He's still got some work to do," coach Todd McLellan said, "but he's creeping closer and closer."

Mitchell, 24, missed the entire 2008-09 season when he broke his leg in two places during a training camp scrimmage, then hurt himself again while on the conditioning assignment. He returned for four playoff games but developed the tendinitis over the summer.

McLellan did stop short of ruling out Mitchell for the Chicago game, saying he and his staff would revisit the topic after today's practice.

Mitchell, who had one goal and two assists in five games with Worcester, said after Monday's practice that he felt "better and better every day. I'm getting there. I feel like I'm ready to play."

He acknowledged

"I was testing it with contact before going down there," Mitchell said, "but it's always different being in a game situation than practicing."

If Mitchell does not play Wednesday, the Sharks will have to recall another player from Worcester.