FRIDAY PRACTICE COVERAGE
VIDEO
OILERS TODAY | Chiasson's Return
INJURY UPDATE | Chiasson
RAW | Hitchcock
RAW | McDavid
THE PANEL | New Faces
BLOGS & ARTICLES
BLOG: Hitchcock gives thoughts on Spooner and Kassian
BLOG: Draisaitl deserving of all-star nod, says Hitchcock
BLOG: McDavid pitches for Leon to join him in San Jose
FEATURE: Chiasson ready to return
"Being honest here, for me I only had three shifts in that game I hurt so looking at Christmas break and a lot of days off for me," he began. "So it's been time away from the game. At this time of year, level of play is increased. I'm going to do my best to help the team. The plan for me personally is to play a simple game in the first 10 minutes, get my feet underneath me."
Before the injury, Chiasson was having a career year with 16 goals in 31 games. His previous career high was 13 which he had with Dallas in 2013-14. Oilers head coach Ken Hitchcock said even if he doesn't find that scoring touch right away -- and he had four goals in five games leading up to the injury -- he will help the team because of the way he plays.
"We don't look at it so much with the goals. The goals are going to come and go. He obviously has a hot stick right now but not sure if that's going to transport to the next game," noted Hitchcock. "But he's a real good player for us. He manages the game, he's really good complementary player, he's good on the power play."
Chiasson also added that the injury itself hasn't fully healed but it's to a point where he can play through it confidently.
"I think it's going to be sore for a little bit. My range of motion may take a little longer to get to 100%. I think the last, including today is 4 days of skating. My body adapted to everything really well. I think that's also a confidence thing for me, going on the ice and feeling confidence I can go out and help the team."
He will be playing in all likelihood on the team's second line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Tobias Rieder.
"I've been able to feel the puck a lot and work on my shot," he said. "Those are the things that are key for me on this team and I'm looking forward to getting out there."
More than anything, Chiasson wants to help this team in its playoff race with two key games this weekend against Los Angeles and Anaheim.
"We had been on a skid as a team for awhile. Sometimes all you need is just one game like that which gets you out of it and gives everyone more confidence and room to breath. We're looking forward to carrying that energy and style of play to tomorrow night."
Hitchcock added that Kris Russell could join Chiasson as a returning player on Saturday.
"Russell practiced full today with no setback so we'll see how Kris is for tomorrow and if he's ready to go also."
