Oilers' Schultz expected to return on upcoming road trip

The Edmonton Oilers will soon need to make some decisions regarding their defense corps, as Justin Schultz is close to a return.

"He's getting more active everyday," said head coach Todd McLellan.

The 25-year-old has not played since suffering a back injury on Oct. 25. McLellan said he "should return" during the Oilers' five-game road trip, which begins on Monday in Washington.

Already carrying eight blueliners on the roster, it's likely that either Griffin Reinhart or Darnell Nurse will need to be sent down to Edmonton's AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. Reinhart has been held pointless through 11 games this season, while Nurse appears to have solidified a spot in the Oilers' top six, with five points in 11 games.

Schultz, meanwhile, has just one point and a minus-6 rating over nine games this year.