Oilers forward Taylor Hall is returning to Edmonton hoping to receive medical clearance from the team.
Hall, 20, who hasn’t played since March due to a shoulder injury, has been practising with the Oklahoma City Barons, Edmonton’s American Hockey League affiliate.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft hopes to be in the Barons lineup next week.
“I’m outta here (Oklahoma City) Sunday,” Hall told the Edmonton Sun. “I’ll see the doctor Monday and hopefully be back here as soon as possible and be back next weekend to play my first games.”
Hall suffered the shoulder injury while in junior and said it has only gotten worse over the years. While Hall was out with a concussion, the decision was made to have season-ending shoulder surgery. He also missed two games in January after he was cut on the head by teammate Corey Potter’s skate.
Hall said the shoulder now feels good and believes he could’ve already been playing.
“It’s felt good for a long time. I’m sure I could have started the season in the NHL,” Hall said. “I just haven’t been cleared yet.
“That’s up to the doctor Monday. I’m pretty hopeful I will be.”
Hall had 22 goals and 20 assists in 65 games with Edmonton last season and signed a seven-year, $42-million contract extension with the club in August.
