EDMONTON — Of all the firings, hirings and goings on around the Edmonton Oilers, by far the most impactful transaction will be when they activate No. 1 defenceman Oscar Klefbom from injured reserve.
The Oilers were hoping he could return coming out of their extended All-Star break, but a mishap at practice Thursday may have altered those plans.
Klefbom, who broke a finger on Dec. 11 and has not played since, returned with a special glove and opened practice paired with his usual partner, Adam Larsson. But near the end of practice Klefbom took a stick on his injured left hand, and required attention by the Oilers trainer.
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Although he stayed out on the ice, Klefbom did not participate in the final 15 minutes of the Oilers practice, clearly not a sign that his injured digit is ready for game action.
“Things happen,” he said, putting on a brave face after practice. “Someone tried to knock the puck down, and hit me where he wasn’t supposed to hit me. That happens. Now it’s good.”
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The Oilers play day games in Philadelphia on Saturday and Montreal Sunday. They were hoping to have their minutes leader and No. 1 defenceman back on the ice in Philly, but those hopes took what looked like a serious blow Thursday.
“We’ll see (Friday). We have another practice. Let’s see how it feels (Friday),” Klefbom said. “It’s been a long wait. And I can’t wait to be on the ice and play some games.”
The Oilers practice at 9 a.m. MT Friday before chartering to Philadelphia.
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