Galchenyuk returning to practice ahead of schedule

Alex Galchenyuk is scheduled to return to practice far earlier than originally expected.

The Montreal Canadiens announced Thursday that the dynamic scorer, out since Dec. 4 with a knee injury, will skate prior to Saturday's game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It remains unknown when Galchenyuk will be fit enough to return, but his ability to practice appears to have him well ahead of the six-to-eight week timetable originally announced.

Andrei Markov will also return to practice with the club, which completes its seven-game road trip to accommodate the World Junior Championship on Saturday.

The veteran defender has been out three weeks with a lower-body injury.