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Senators centre Artem Anisimov (51) digs for a rebound off of Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mikko Koskinen during the first period on Wednesday at the Canadian Tire Centre. Photo by ERROL MCGIHON /Postmedia Article content

Erik Brannstrom will get his chance.

In fact, the 21-year-old Brannstrom is expected to return Thursday night in the second game of this rescheduled back-to-back series against the Oilers.

There has been no shortage of consternation amongst the fan base over the fact the 21-year-old Brannstrom hasn’t been suiting up on a regular basis.

He was called up from the club’s AHL affiliate in Belleville on March 27 and hasn’t played since, but it doesn’t sound like the patience to play is about to pay off.

Coach D.J. Smith indicated in his pre-game press conference Wednesday morning that won’t go on much longer, especially with the deadline set for Monday at 3 p.m. ET.

“As we get by the deadline here he’ll play lots of games and lots of minutes down the stretch,” Smith said. “And, obviously you have to play well. You’re not just going to give games out to anyone, but we think he can do it and if he goes in and plays well then he’ll continue to play.”

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Brannstrom hasn’t played in an…