After skating at practice Wednesday, forward Jesse Puljujarvi is poised to return to the Edmonton Oilers lineup Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres, the team announced.
Defenceman Kris Russell (undisclosed) also skated on Wednesday.
“They’re both close to playing,” Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft said following practice. “A good chance that both guys are in the lineup. We had another good day and we’ll see how they wake up in the morning, but there’s a good chance.”
Puljujarvi went down with a lower-body injury against the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 17. He skated on a line with Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, while Russell, who has been out since January, paired with Tyson Barrie on the blue line.
The 23-year-old Finn has 12 goals and 16 assists in 46 games this season.