Captain Shawn Horcoff will make an early return to the Edmonton Oilers line-up when the team plays host to the Dallas Stars on Thursday.
Horcoff, who was injured on Dec. 7 in a collision with Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks, was originally expected to miss eight weeks with the MCL sprain.
The 32-year-old centre joined the club on its recent five-game road trip but was focused on strengthening his knee before making a return.
In seven games this season, Horcoff has seven goals and eight assists with a plus-four rating.
The Oilers have only won four games since losing their captain to injury. They currently sit last place in the Western Conference with 35 points from 45 games.
