Connor McDavid (shoulder) could be back in the Oilers lineup in mid-to-late January.

McDavid (shoulder) is healing faster than expected, and he could be back in the Oilers lineup in mid-to-late January, SportsNet's Mark Spector reports.

Analysis:

He broke his clavicle on Nov. 3, and he is weeks ahead of the initial timetable of an early March return to action. This is great news for the sport, the Oilers and McDavid's owners. He has not yet resumed skating.