'Getting Closer And Closer': Could John Tavares Return To The Maple Leafs Lineup Against Oilers On Saturday?

Tavares has been out of the lineup since Jan. 16 after suffering a lower-body injury during practice.

John Tavares is progressing well after suffering a lower-body injury during Toronto Maple Leafs practice just over two weeks ago.

The 34-year-old got hurt during the team's power play drill after his skate got caught with defenseman Chris Tanev's, which sent Tavares to the ice awkwardly. He got off on his own power but has missed six games since.

"Yeah, it's just unfortunate circumstances in the corner," Tavares said on Friday. 

"He's skating the one way and his foot just kind of clips me. But it kind of drags me at the same time. Traditionally, it just kind of usually just kind of clips you. And it kind of hooked my leg and stretched me out pretty good. 

"I was a little nervous with how my leg was stretching out my left one. And then kind of shifted all my weight to my right and my foot just got stuck in the ice. And with all my weight there, just obviously wasn't a great result. But it is what it is."

On Friday in Edmonton, Tavares returned to his usual spot on Toronto's second line, between Max Pacioretty and William Nylander. It's the forward's first full practice with the team since going down with the injury.

He even participated in power play reps with the top unit, which usually signals an injured player's nearing a return to the lineup

"I would say he's a little bit ahead of schedule," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said on Friday. 

"He was feeling good early. Like, it wasn't lingering on him so much. So I think that he got ahead of it all. He did a good job of rehabbing and doing what he needed to do, so he's ahead of schedule."

Before going down with the injury, Tavares was having an impressive season. He had 20 goals and 22 assists for 42 points in 44 games. Friday's practice was another step in the right direction to returning and continuing his strong year.

"I keep progressing really, really, really well. So I really just tried to narrow my focus to just getting a little better every day," he said. "Obviously, it's led to being part of practice today and being able to push myself pretty good. So it was very positive."

It's a challenge for any team to face the Oilers, a team stacked with talent including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, Toronto's a squad that always gives the Oilers a run for their money, with the likes of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner leading the charge.

Tavares, in particular, has always played well against the Oilers. In 32 games vs. the club, the forward has scored 12 goals and 23 assists. He admitted on Friday that it's always an exciting challenge when going up against Edmonton.

"Yeah, it'll be a challenge, that's for sure. I think playing against a team like Edmonton and certainly the players that they have, it's always unbelievable to play against the best and what they can do and certainly what they accomplished last year," Tavares said.

"The type of team that they have and obviously the high-end talent and their ability to be who they are and what they do on a nightly basis. It's always a lot of fun, but one of the toughest tests you get. So, yeah, if that's the case, looking forward to it."

So what does that mean for Tavares' status entering Saturday's game against Edmonton?

"As we've been doing after every day, just review with the medical staff and performance staff and go from there. But getting closer and closer."