Connor McDavid returns to Oilers practice

Happy New Year, Edmonton Oilers fans.

Connor McDavid took a big step in his recovery from surgery to repair a fractured clavicle, returning to practice with the team for the first time Friday.

"It was good to feel normal again and be out there with them," McDavid said.

McDavid has missed 26 games since crashing awkwardly into the boards against the Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 3. There is still no timetable for his return.

Connor McDavid says he's ahead of schedule but wouldn't say when he's like to return. #Oilers #NHL

- Derek Van Diest (@SUNdvandiest) January 1, 2016

"The good thing I guess about this thing was it was an upper-body injury. You can still keep the legs feeling good," McDavid said. "I think I was on the bike four days after so, no excuse to come back out of shape or anything like that. So I feel really good."

The 18-year-old phenom recorded five goals and seven assists in 13 games before going down with the injury.

The Oilers have gone 10-13-3 in his absence.

Nail Yakupov, who's missed 17 games with an ankle sprain, skated with the team Friday as well.

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