McDavid participates in drills, takes faceoffs at Oilers practice

Connor McDavid is inching closer to his return to NHL action.

The Edmonton Oilers' prized rookie took faceoffs and participated in drills at Monday's practice, and while he hasn't yet been cleared for contact, his return to the lineup seems fairly close.

"We're asking each other, 'Can he play tonight?' but that's not real," said head coach Todd McLellan, according to Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal. "We're all aware of him getting closer and being more involved. I think he has found a way, as have some of the others who have returned to the ice, to energize our group. They're able to take some reps at high speed ... it drags everybody else along.

"As soon as we can get him back, we will."

McDavid resumed practicing with the team on Jan. 1 after suffering a broken clavicle on Nov. 3.