Oilers’ Desharnais to be game-day decision vs. Sabres

The Oilers aren’t rushing Vincent Desharnais back into game action after a hand injury, even though he’s still practicing with the team.

Speaking to reporters after the Oilers practice on Wednesday, head coach Kris Knoblauch said they would make the decision about the defenceman’s availability against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.

“If we needed him and it was the playoffs, he’d be ready to go. We’re just deciding what’s best for our team,” Knoblauch said. “We don’t want it to be an injury that aggravates and the rehab time gets stretched out.”

Desharnais suffered the hand injury on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche as he was fighting defenceman Josh Manson in the second period. He did not play the third and was evaluated the following day.

The 27-year-old has one goal and nine points in 63 games this season. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2016 NHL Draft by the Oilers.