McDavid returns to practice, Oilers not ruling out Friday return

Connor McDavid appears to be making positive steps in his recovery from a quad injury.

The Edmonton Oilers star hasn't played since Feb. 8 but took part in Thursday's team practice - his first since suffering the ailment. Head coach Dave Tippett said the team is taking it one day at a time, but he didn't rule McDavid out from returning to the lineup against the Minnesota Wild on Friday.

"He's moving well. We'll see where he is in the morning," Tippett said. "He's day-to-day ... he took a good step today but we're not over-promising anything."

McDavid looked comfortable while participating in an up-tempo skills drill.

And another one. pic.twitter.com/cHFrgQbLKL

- "Min Dhariwal" (@MinDhariwal) February 20, 2020

The 2018 Art Ross Trophy winner was initially ruled out two-to-three weeks. Even if he sits out Friday, McDavid will travel with the club for it's California road trip beginning Sunday.

Despite missing the last five contests, McDavid ranks fourth in league scoring with 81 points through 55 games this season.

The Oilers are in the thick of a tightly contested Western Conference playoff race, leading the Pacific Division by a single point entering Thursday's action.

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