Michigan hockey player Jon Merrill has rejoined the team, but when he will return to game action is now in question.

AnnArbor.com file photo

Merrill, a sophomore defenseman, was suspended from the team on Oct. 1 for a violation of team rules. The suspension was originally announced as 12 games, which would have held Merrill out through Friday, Nov. 11.

While announcing that Merrill would rejoin the team today, Michigan coach Red Berenson said Merrill will be held out of game action "indefinitely."

“Jon has been reinstated to participate in team activities beginning today," Berenson said in a statement. "He will resume practice with the team, but remains suspended from game action indefinitely.”

Merrill, a Brighton native, had seven goals and 18 assists in his freshman season, the fourth-best point total for a freshman defenseman in school history. He was named to the All-U.S. College Hockey Online second team and the Inside College Hockey All-Freshman Team. Merrill was a second team and CCHA All-Rookie team selection.

Merrill was the team's lone All-CCHA Preseason First Team selection and last year had two goals in the Big Chill at the Big House.

Michigan is currently 6-1-1 (2-1-1-1 CCHA) and ranked No. 3 in the country.