Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: Could play Thursday

Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) is expected to return Thursday against San Jose, Jack Michaels of the Oilers Radio Network reports.

Assuming he's back in the lineup Thursday, Nugent-Hopkins will return from a 12-game absence. The 28-year-old will still need to be activated from injured reserve before he's able to suit up. He has 37 points and 117 shots through 45 games this season.