Edmonton Oilers’ Vincent Desharnais returns to lineup vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Vincent Desharnais will return to the lineup when his team faces the Toronto Maple Leafs on Hockey Night in Canada.

The 27-year-old suffered a hand injury last week against the Colorado Avalanche while fighting defenceman Josh Manson in the second period. He did not return to the game.

While he was still practising with the team, Desharnais missed two consecutive games. Head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters on Wednesday that they were sitting him out as a precaution.

“If we needed him and it was the playoffs, he’d be ready to go,” Knoblauch said at the time. “We don’t want it to be an injury that aggravates.”

Desharnais 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.