After last playing in Game 6 of Edmonton’s first-round defeat to Anaheim on April 6, Head Coach Mike Babcock wants to see the 31-year-old get back into game shape quickly, but said he isn’t about to rush him back into a compromising situation.
“Anytime you miss camp and you haven’t played because you’ve been injured, it’s going to take you some time,” Babcock said. “So he’s got to be kind to himself, and we got to be patient with him.
“His biggest thing is ramping up the pace. Obviously, he’s a really intelligent, useful player for us, especially when you look at our top six. He really gives us a different complexion. We look forward to him getting up and rolling, and it’s probably going to take him a bit of time.”
Wednesday’s Oilers practice was optional, so lines will be confirmed during warmups. Coach Babcock didn’t name a starter in his morning media availability after saying on Monday that Devon Levi and Tristan Jarry will each play one of the first two games.
Newly acquired forward Filip Hallander will join the team in San Jose on Thursday, Oilers GM & VP of Hockey Operations Stan Bowman said, with the Swede potentially making his Oilers debut in Saturday’s afternoon matchup with the Sharks.