The Boston Bruins' leading goal scorer, Phil Kessel, has been cleared to join the team after sitting out six games with mononucleosis.

Kessel, 21, was placed on injured reserve Jan. 12. But after skating Thursday morning, head coach Claude Julien gave him the green light to play againt the New Jersey Devils later in the day.

Kessel, a Wisconsin native, has 24 goals and 17 assists for 41 points. He has already passed his point total (37) from last season.

Kessel was chosen fifth overall in the 2006 entry draft.

The Bruins (35-8-5) are first in the Eastern Conference and lead the Northeast Division.