EDMONTON, AB - The Edmonton Oilers could see the return of forward Jesse Puljujarvi and defenceman Kris Russell to the lineup for Thursday's contest with the Buffalo Sabres after Wednesday's practice at Rogers Place indicated the two skaters are on the verge of returning.
Puljujarvi was in a white jersey at Wednesday's practice, indicating a top-six deployment for the Finnish forward, while Kris Russell participated in full alongside Tyson Barrie on the third defensive pairing.
"They're both close to playing," Head Coach Jay Woodcroft said following practice. "A good chance that both guys are in the lineup [Thursday]. We had another good day and we'll see how they wake up in the morning, but there's a good chance."
Puljujarvi looks poised to make his return to the Oilers lineup against Buffalo on a line with Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman exactly one month to the day when the Finn suffered a lower-body injury after scoring a goal in a 7-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks back on Feb. 17. While Puljujarvi's top-six placement will come at the expense of Ryan McLeod, Woodcroft has no concerns about the 22-year-old accruing ice time due to the versatility he brings to the Oilers lineup.
BLOG: Wednesday practice notes
Jesse Puljujarvi participated in a white jersey and Mike Smith was in the starter's crease at Wednesday's skate at Rogers Place
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