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.
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.”
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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