Gunnarsson sustained an upper-body injury on Dec. 12 - a 4-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights - and has not been the lineup since.
He missed 15 games but has been healthy and waiting for his chance to return to the lineup.
"The team has been playing well and we're winning, so that's the nature of it," Gunnarsson said of sitting out longer than anticipated. "(It's been) just sitting and waiting for your time, and it's coming (now)."
In 17 games this season, Gunnarsson has posted one goal and three assists.