The Edmonton Oilers are getting another player back from injury.
After star forward Connor McDavid returned on Wednesday, the Oilers will now welcome defenceman Mattias Ekholm back into the lineup for Friday's game against the San Jose Sharks.
Ekholm, 34, has been out since March 26 with an undisclosed injury. The Swede has recorded 33 points (nine goals and 24 assists) in 64 games this season.
Starting goaltender Stuart Skinner is also set to return Friday, though he’ll serve as backup to Calvin Pickard.
Skinner, 26, has been sidelined since March 26 as well. In 49 games this season, he owns a 24-18-4 record with a 2.91 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch also provided updates on the team's other injured players. Leon Draisaitl remains out but is still expected to return before the end of the regular season, while Jake Walman could be back as early as Sunday or Monday.
Meanwhile, Knoblauch said Trent Frederic may not be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs, and Evander Kane is on a similar timeline but is still being evaluated.
The Oilers can officially clinch a playoff berth on Friday if they earn at least one point against the Sharks. Catch the matchup on Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet+ starting at 7:30 p.m. MT.
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